Relix

Before there was a band, there was a story. The Grateful Dead took their name from a folk tale as old as human memory—the story of a traveler who honors an unburied stranger and is repaid with gifts beyond measure. This auction traces that literary lineage from its earliest scholarly study, Gordon Hall Gerould's extraordinarily rare 1908 volume The Grateful Dead: The History of a Folk Story, through the very dictionary Jerry Garcia consulted when he discovered the name in 1965. These foundational artifacts anchor a collection that illuminates the written word's central place in the Dead's universe.From there, the collection expands into the poetry and publications that defined the band's intellectual circle: Robert Hunter's landmark verse, Bobby Petersen's elegies to fallen friends, the iconic Jester songbook with its Mouse and Kelley illustrations, complete runs of The Golden Road, and the monumental Taping Compendium that documented three decades of live performance. Together, these items reveal the Grateful Dead not just as a band, but as a literary movement—a community of poets, scholars, and writers whose work gave shape and meaning to the music. For collectors and scholars alike, this is a rare opportunity to own pieces of that story.

This is the dictionary that Garcia consulted when he found the band's name. The editor responsible for the entry was Maria Leach, a folklore scholar best known for her monumental Dictionary of Folklore. She consulted Gerould's book to write the entry. We are pleased to offer the correct edition, confirmed by consulting the actual dictionary, which differs from the version famously depicted in The Book of the Deadheads.1956 edition. Pristine condition in a custom archival clamshell box.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Funk and Wagnalls New Practical Standard Dictionary | The Dictionary of the Grateful Dead | 1956 Edition

Princeton University literary scholar Gordon Hall Gerould wrote the first book-length study of the grateful dead folk tale in English, which inspired the entry in the dictionary that Garcia found in November 1965. One of the rarest books in the world of the Dead, few copies survive, especially in this condition.David Nutt, 1908. Octavo, 177 + 15 pp. Cloth. As issued, without jacket, in a custom clamshell archival box. Fine condition; an extraordinary copy.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

The Grateful Dead: The History of a Folk Story | Gordon Hall Gerould | David Nutt, 1908

The seminal 1960s work about Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters that catapulted the Dead into national prominence. Tom Wolfe's classic book was a foundational work of New Journalism, a school of writing that emphasized the literary potential and subjective nature of journalism. The book's chapter on the Dead cemented the band's place in the American counterculture and enshrined their legendary participation in the Acid Tests.Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1968. Octavo, 434 pp. First edition, first printing. Toning to flyleafs, otherwise clean and bright. Beautifully rebound in psychedelic purple leather and marbled fine book paper.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test | Tom Wolfe | Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1968 | First Edition, First Printing

This artifact of the Acid Test era can be seen in Paul Perry's On the Bus (Thunder's Mouth, 1990, p.140). The Pranksters had these made to signify "who was a 'Card Carrying Merry Prankster,'" and decorated the front with the famous image of Uncle Sam by James Montgomery Flagg. It is accompanied by one of Ken Kesey's own mysterious business cards, with "IT IS" and "mobile KESEY".Ca. 1965–66. 3.5 x 2 in. Browning to edges, image clean and bright; in remarkable condition for a 60-year-old cardstock. With a signed COA by Zane Kesey, Ken Kesey's son.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

"Can You Pass the Acid Test?" Business Card | Merry Pranksters | Ca. 1965–66 | With Ken Kesey "IT IS" Business Card & COA by Zane Kesey

Conducted by Yale law school professor Charles Reich, the author of The Greening of America, along with Rolling Stone editor and publisher Jann Wenner, this interview provided the first sustained, book-length view of the Dead as they entered the 1970s from the mind of the musician who, for many fans, represented the leader and guiding spirit of the band.Straight Arrow, 1972. Hardbound in dust jacket, 254 pp. Quarto. First edition. Near fine, very good condition with a dust jacket that is in very good condition, some chipping to the lower edges and discoloration on jacket.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Garcia: A Signpost to New Space | Jerry Garcia with Charles Reich & Jann Wenner | Straight Arrow, 1972 | First Edition

The first full-length biography of the band was written by a college friend of Phil Lesh, who managed the Warlocks briefly in 1965. Although Harrison became a controversial figure, prone to exaggeration and error, his book was the first to treat the Dead as part of a larger cultural movement. This copy shows minor wear but includes the flexi-disk of Neal Cassady rapping with the Dead, providing accompaniment at a famous concert at the Straight Theatre in July 1967, less than a year before his untimely passing. Almost every copy has had the flexi-disk removed; this copy not only includes the disc, but it is as issued, bound in.Links, 1973. Square octavo, 180 pp. First edition, first printing. Some toning to cover, minor creases, and one small tear to the back cover at the bottom edge. About very good. Includes flexi-disk.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

The Dead Book Hank Harrison | Links, 1973 | First Edition, First Printing | With Flexi-Disk (Neal Cassady)

Grateful Dead&nbsp;band staffer and longtime manager of the Dead's publishing arm, Ice Nine Publishing, edited this commemorative tour program, the band's first extensive effort. Along with band member biographies, it included a range of revealing essays by fellow travelers such as Paul Krassner, a collage of album cover art, a moving afterword by Milton Mayer, Robert M. Petersen's moving elegy to Pigpen, "He Was A Friend of Mine," and more. The most significant essay is by Petersen with Alan Trist on the Grateful Dead folk tale, marking the first exploration of the link in a band publication.Tall octavo, 29 pp. Fine condition.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Grateful Dead Tour Program, 1983/84 | Edited by Alan Trist | Ice Nine Publishing

Longtime band staffer and Ice Nine manager Alan Trist continued his research into the Grateful Dead folktale after cowriting the essay on it for the band's 1983 tour program, finally producing this "retelling," as he modestly called it, in 1989. Beautifully illustrated, this rendition captures the essential features of the folk story, offering an authentic and compelling narrative suitable for storytelling. At heart, the story is about the obligations of the living to the dead, a debt that, when honored, provides precious gifts.Hulogosi, 1989. Octavo, 43 pp. Hardbound in dust jacket. Signed by the author. Near fine.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

The Water of Life: A Tale of the Grateful Dead | Alan Trist | Hulogosi, 1989 | Signed

Band lyricist and poet Robert M. "Bobby" Petersen's first published chapbook. It contains his moving elegies to Janis Joplin, "For Janis," and to Pigpen, "He Was A Friend of Mine." Petersen was an important figure in the early Dead scene, a close friend of Phil Lesh's and Alan Trist's, and an early and stalwart supporter of the band. Petersen is best known for his lyrics for the Dead, including "New Potato Caboose," "Pride of Cucamonga," and "Unbroken Chain"; his last lyric was "Revolutionary Hamstrung Blues," performed only once and never recorded in the studio. Petersen was considered the most serious and accomplished poet in the Dead's scene in the band's early years, and a link to the older San Francisco Bay Area poetry scene. Copies of this first chapbook are rare; copies of the first printing are unheard of. This is one of the equally scarce second printings, which the Grateful Dead sponsored as a tribute to their old friend.SIGNED BY AUTHOR, ROBERT M. PETERSON. Chapbook. Softbound. Octavo, 31 pp., unnumbered. 2nd printing. Privately published, financed by Grateful Dead Productions. Signed by Petersen on the front flyleaf; fine condition; some spotting to front flyleaves, as is common.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Far Away Radios, Signed | Robert M. Petersen | 2nd Printing, Grateful Dead Productions

Published a year after Petersen's death, this volume honored the Dead's longtime friend and lyricist, offering definitive proof of his ambition and achievement. This beautifully produced volume showed how Petersen's poetry helped to define the Dead and connected them to the Beat Generation and the San Francisco Poetry Renaissance.Hulogosi, 1988. Octavo, 129 pp. Hardbound in dust jacket. Signed.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the completion of the auction.

Alleys of the Heart: Collected Poems | Robert M. Petersen | Edited by Alan Trist | Foreword by Robert Hunter | Hulogosi, 1988 | Signed

Octavo, 161 pp. Paperbound. Minor edgewear, standard perfect-bound spine crease (from the cover being opened), else near fine.Best known as the lyricist of "Passenger," Peter "Monk" Zimmels was a member of the Dead's larger literary circle who was a close friend of Phil Lesh's. In addition to his lyrics, he wrote poetry, which his family assembled into this volume at his death. Given to friends and family, this is one of the rarest of all Grateful Dead books. Readers will be fascinated to see the original draft of the lyrics for "Equinox" here, an outtake from the Terrapin Station sessions finally released on the 2006 CD reissue of the album. There are other treasures throughout, such as "Homegrown," dedicated to M.G., or Carolyn Garcia, Jerry's wife, who also wrote the book Primo Plant, one of the earliest how-to guides to growing marijuana. Monk officiated at Garcia's marriage to M.G.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the completion of the auction.

Peter Monk: Collected Poems | Peter "Monk" Zimmels | Lyricist of "Passenger," Grateful Dead Literary Circle

Hunter's major press debut was a landmark work that features some of his finest poems. This volume cemented Hunter's claim to the status of serious poet in a volume that remains one of his most important and collectable. The final poem, "Holigomena," ends with some of Hunter's most eloquent poetry: "attempting / to speak truly / if not / truthfully / about lost things / in lost places / with lost words / in a lost song / and somehow / bring it / to be found."Viking, 1991. Octavo, 94 pp. Hardbound in dust jacket. Slightest of edgewear and bowing to upper edges of jacket, else mint. A beautiful copy.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Night Cadre | Robert Hunter | Viking, 1991 | First Edition

A fascinating poetic exercise that grew into a full-length work, Idiot's Delight" was printed in Beat poet Raymond Foye's Hanuman Press series of pocket-sized works. Hunter played with the page's small size to superb effect, with a wide-ranging meditation on appetite and a host of other themes that will resonate with readers who know his lyrics. Funny, insightful, and moving, this is one of his rarest works.Small 16mo., 137 pp. Softbound (wrappers) in jacket. Very good condition. Some visible damage to outer jacket. Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Idiot's Delight | Robert Hunter | Hanuman Press

Long before the internet connected Deadheads across the globe, Blair Jackson and Regan McMahon did it the old-fashioned way — with ink and paper. Launched in 1984, The Golden Road was a labor of love: a quarterly magazine that brought serious journalism to the Grateful Dead universe, featuring candid interviews with band members and crew, sharp concert coverage, and an attentive ear to the ever-evolving Dead scene. Over 27 issues spanning nearly a decade, it chronicled one of the band's most transformative periods, ending with its final issue in 1993. For collectors, this is primary source material — a window into a world that was changing faster than anyone knew.Issue no. 1. Fine/near fine condition.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

The Golden Road, Issue No. 1 | Blair Jackson & Regan McMahon | 1984

Starting in 1984, Deadheads could learn about&nbsp;the Grateful Dead&nbsp;through The Golden Road, a beautifully produced quarterly published by veteran journalists Blair Jackson and Regan McMahon. The Golden Road offered insightful interviews with band members and staffers, concert reviews, tour information, and carefully monitored the pulse of the Grateful Dead scene for 27 issues, finally ending in 1993. As a document of the Dead's final era, the magazine offers an unparalleled inside look at the scene as it underwent seismic change. This set has been beautifully library-bound, preserving the magazine and making it a handsome addition to any Deadhead bookshelf. Indispensable.Complete run bound in two archival hardbound library volumes.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the completion of the auction.

The Golden Road, Nos. 1–27 | Complete Run Blair Jackson & Regan McMahon | 1984–1993 | Two Volumes, Library Bound

The monumental, groundbreaking study of the Dead's performances on tape, exhaustively documented and analyzed by dozens of expert tape collectors and Deadhead writers. The essays on the band's taping practices and the history of fan taping remain invaluable, and the lavishly detailed descriptions of concerts, tapes, and first-person accounts of shows make this a high-water mark in Grateful Dead writing. Dwork was the editor and publisher of Deadhead fanzine Dupree's Diamond News, giving this series a particular cachet. A rare and revealing look at the band's music from the perspective of the Taper's Section, and an incisive look at how fan taping infused and helped to define the Dead's cultural footprint.Henry Holt / PepperTonic, 1998–2001. Paperbound. Quarto, 598 pp; 756 pp.; 711 pp.; 407 pp. Mint condition, as new. This set includes Volume 4, the Addendum, which is rare.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

The Deadhead's Taping Compendium, Vols. 1–4 (Complete, with Rare Vol. 4 Addendum) | Michael M. Getz & John R. Dwork, Eds. | Henry Holt / PepperTonic, 1998–2001

The famous "Jester" songbook, with the iconic cover illustration. When the Dead hired Alan Trist in 1970, his first assignment was to help establish Ice Nine Publishing to handle their music copyrights and publications. This songbook was a symbol of that effort, and this landmark work demonstrated the Dead's commitment to old-fashioned literary and artistic values with their own distinctive Haight-Ashbury spin. With beautiful calligraphy for the music by Bob Bayless and gorgeous full-color illustrations by famed Haight-Ashbury artists Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley, the Jester Songbook set a standard for rock music.First printing. Fine. Rare in this condition. This first printing does not have the ISBN on the back cover. Some toning to cover, but otherwise near fine.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Grateful Dead [Jester Songbook] | Ice Nine Publishing | Stanley Mouse & Alton Kelley, Illustrators | First Printing

The rare follow-up volume to the Jester Songbook, this included the music and lyrics for Wake of the Flood, From the Mars Hotel, and Blues For Allah. The cover featured Rick Griffin's crow from Wake of the Flood and marked the last in-house production of the band's songbooks. A powerful document from the year the Dead returned to the road after their hiatus from late 1974 through spring 1976.Ice Nine Publishing, 1976. Quarto, 104 pp. Fine.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Grateful Dead, Vol. II | Ice Nine Publishing, 1976 | Rick Griffin Cover Art

Softbound, Quarto, 260 + [11] pp.; 279 + [16] pp. Slipcased. Fine. Rare, especially in this condition.As the Dead expanded their catalog, Ice Nine partnered with Warner Bros. to publish new songbooks, aptly entitled Anthology I and II. With discographies in the back. These oversized softbound volumes rarely survived in good condition; we're proud to offer a pristine set here in the very rare slipcased edition. Slipcased volumes have traditionally been the mark of an author's importance, a tribute to the power of their work. This slipcased set marked the first time the Dead's music received this level of respect.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the completion of the auction.

Grateful Dead Anthology, Vols. 1 & 2 | Ice Nine Publishing / Warner Bros. | Slipcased Edition

When the Dead began licensing vendors, one enterprising artisan created a beautifully detailed metal casting of Stanley Mouse and Alton Kelley's iconic reimagining of E.J. Sullivan's illustration of a skeleton crowned with roses, which became the famous Family Dog poster and Grateful Dead symbol. Years later, a few of these were turned into bookends. These are heavy, beautifully built pieces.Domestic (United States) shipping is included in the purchase price. International shipments will be subject to additional shipping costs, to be invoiced after the auction is completed.

Dead Letters: Books, Poetry & Printed Treasures of the Grateful Dead