BILE. Rare collection

Chicago, No Tickee/No Washee Enterprises, 1978-1984. Mail art magazine published and edited by Bradley Lastname. Contains 17 issues (of 25), all published in a small edition of 200. This set includes six special issues numbered and signed by Lastname, which is super rare. Gwen Allen mentions that all issues are unnumbered and undated (Artists' Magazines MIT 2011, p. 244). Contains three issues with mailed envelopes to Jeffrey Cook, and a handwritten postcard by Lastname. One issue with closed tear on rear, other copies in excellent state.

BILE was a take on the magazines VILE and FILE, resounding LIFE, in its red and white logo. All staple-bound, 28 x 21.5 cm, with the exception of one smaller issue, 21.5 x 17.5 cm. Features photocopied and rubber-stamped contributions with some loosely inserted sheets and original collages. One cover has an attached safety pin, two issues show a venticular eye glued to the cover, which blinks when moved. Inserts include 'BILE Broadsides', and an order form for Visual Poetry t-shirts designed by Richard Kostelanetz, David Cole, John M. Bennett et al. One issue is partly printed on transparent paper. Titles and many contributions allude to BILE's Dadaist attitude. Among the contributors are Richard Hambleton (R. Dick Trace-it), Jeff Twiss, Stephen Spera, Brooke Rothwell, Kevin Riordan, Vittore Baroni et al. (total 17)