1963 death of Jean Cocteau... French poet...
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October 17, 1963
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Oct. 17, 1963
* Jean Cocteau death - French poet - artist
* Playwright - novelist - film director & more
* Surrealist, avant-garde and Dadaist movements
The top of the front page has a heading: "Jean Cocteau: 'I'd Take the Fire'--p. 5"
Page 5 has a heading: "I'd Take the Fire (A Souvenir of Jean)" Article continues on page 12.
Background: The death of Jean Cocteau on October 11, 1963, marked the end of an era for the European avant-garde, occurring with poetic irony just hours after the passing of his close friend, singer Édith Piaf. As a polymath who seamlessly navigated poetry, film, and the visual arts, Cocteau's transition from life to legend was immediately captured by The Village Voice in this October 17th issue, reflecting his profound impact on the emerging American counterculture. By 1963, the "Voice" had established itself as the primary organ for the New York School of artists and the Beat Generation, many of whom viewed Cocteau’s surrealist masterpieces, such as Orpheus and Beauty and the Beast, as the blueprints for independent, non-linear cinema. This specific issue, featuring the tribute "I’d Take the Fire," serves as a primary source document that bridges the gap between the European Modernism of the early 20th century and the radical, alternative journalism of the 1960s. The article’s headline captures Cocteau’s philosophy of artistic consumption—the idea that the creative spirit (the "fire") is more valuable than the physical objects it produces—a sentiment that resonated deeply within the bohemian enclave of Greenwich Village during a decade of immense social and aesthetic upheaval.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
It is worth noting that "The Village Voice" was an American news and culture paper, known for being the country's first alternative newsweekly. Founded in 1955, the Voice began as a platform for the creative community of New York City.
Complete in 20 pages, tabloid-size, one crease across the center, nice condition.
Provenance note: This issue comes from The Village Voice's own archives, part of their in-house collection used to create their digital archive.
Alert: Many issues of The Village Voice contain articles and/or photos which some consider offensive, and are certainly inappropriate for children. Please purchase with discretion.
* Jean Cocteau death - French poet - artist
* Playwright - novelist - film director & more
* Surrealist, avant-garde and Dadaist movements
The top of the front page has a heading: "Jean Cocteau: 'I'd Take the Fire'--p. 5"
Page 5 has a heading: "I'd Take the Fire (A Souvenir of Jean)" Article continues on page 12.
Background: The death of Jean Cocteau on October 11, 1963, marked the end of an era for the European avant-garde, occurring with poetic irony just hours after the passing of his close friend, singer Édith Piaf. As a polymath who seamlessly navigated poetry, film, and the visual arts, Cocteau's transition from life to legend was immediately captured by The Village Voice in this October 17th issue, reflecting his profound impact on the emerging American counterculture. By 1963, the "Voice" had established itself as the primary organ for the New York School of artists and the Beat Generation, many of whom viewed Cocteau’s surrealist masterpieces, such as Orpheus and Beauty and the Beast, as the blueprints for independent, non-linear cinema. This specific issue, featuring the tribute "I’d Take the Fire," serves as a primary source document that bridges the gap between the European Modernism of the early 20th century and the radical, alternative journalism of the 1960s. The article’s headline captures Cocteau’s philosophy of artistic consumption—the idea that the creative spirit (the "fire") is more valuable than the physical objects it produces—a sentiment that resonated deeply within the bohemian enclave of Greenwich Village during a decade of immense social and aesthetic upheaval.
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
It is worth noting that "The Village Voice" was an American news and culture paper, known for being the country's first alternative newsweekly. Founded in 1955, the Voice began as a platform for the creative community of New York City.
Complete in 20 pages, tabloid-size, one crease across the center, nice condition.
Provenance note: This issue comes from The Village Voice's own archives, part of their in-house collection used to create their digital archive.
Alert: Many issues of The Village Voice contain articles and/or photos which some consider offensive, and are certainly inappropriate for children. Please purchase with discretion.
Category: The 20th Century
