Yarrowstalks No. 2 [July 1967]
Philadelphia: David Auten and Brian Zahn, 1967. First Edition, First Printing.
Folio (16 x 10 7/8 inches; 407 x 277 mm), [16] pages, printed in purple and chartreuse ink on newspaper stock (soft cover).
The scarce second issue of Yarrowstalks, an underground newspaper that was known for its psychedelic graphics and interest in Eastern philosophy. The paper, then based in Philadelphia, appeared 12 times between 1967 and 1975. Brian Zahn (d. 2012) was the driving force behind Yarrowstalks; the name refers to the sticks used in the I-Ching, the ancient Chinese divination text. Zahn was especially interested in Eastern philosophy and lived for a time in India.
This issue is notable for the second appearance of cartoonist Robert Crumb's Mr. Natural; Crumb's 36-panel "Head Comix" fills an entire page of this issue. Indeed, Yarrowstalks was the first of the underground newspapers to publish Crumb's cartoons, giving his artistic career a huge boost.
Other content includes photographs of a couple in bed, a lot of psychedelic graphics that evoke the spirit of the late 1960s, and adverts for Philadelphia bookstores and head shops. Front and back covers by Margie Leamy, with additional graphics by Paul Carlin, Arnie Hendrickson, Louis Delsarte, Peter Scheidt, and John Hawke, and photographs by Bonnie Williams.Copies of Yarrowstalks, including this issue, are scarce to the market. An important publication in the underground newspaper scene of the late '60s and early '70s.
CONDITION: Some age toning to the extremities of the front cover but more pronounced on the rear cover. Small tear at the bottom of the rear cover, some other small nicks, but internally clean and bright. About Very Good. Item #2495
Price: $250.00