NoSuch Press, 1982

A4 format, secured by two staples to left edge. Unpaginated. With a 1p. ALS. Wrappers a little bumped and marked, staples rusted, but a well preserved copy. Ink of ALS a little blanched with age.

Issue no. 1 of this poetry magazine, WITH AN ALS FROM EDITOR JEREMY SILVER TO HEATHCOTE WILLIAMS.

Published three time yearly from Silver's home in North London, Strange Mathematics was (according to the editorial published in this first issue) '...an eclectic collection of different kinds of writings, and images which variously explore concrete and abstract systems of space and number, time and movement, emotion and will, power and value etc. All of these are integrally part of our lives and our society whether they are hidden or so blatant that they are difficult to see.' Contributors to this issue include John Freeman, Graham Sykes, Janet Sutherland and Dave Cunliffe, as well as Silver himself. Strange Mathematics ran to seven issues, published between 1982 and 1984.

This copy belonged to Heathcote Williams, and was sent to him by the magazine's editor Jeremy Silver. The cover letter, dated 26 March 1982, reads: 'Dear Heathcote, I am writing on the recommendation of [UK Beat poet and founder of the Poetry Olympics] Michael Horowitz. As you can see I'm producing a new magazine called "Strange Mathematics". M.H. suggested I wrote to you 'cos he said you've got "a great Maths poem" -- well I don't know if that's still available -- but if it is -- and any other material you might like to send -- I would very much like to include some of your work in the second issue. I hope you find this of interest -- oh! I'm afraid that there's only a complementary copy by way of payment -- but alas -- you know the situation! Look forward to your reply, Yours, Jeremy Silver'.