The Phoenix Book Shop business check, 8.25 x 3.25, filled out and signed by store owner, Robert Wilson, payable to W. H. Auden for $1600.00, March 3, 1972. Endorsed by Auden on the reverse, “W. H. Auden.” Light creasing, toning, and the expected cancellation stamps, one of which affects the end of the signature, otherwise fine condition. The Phoenix Book Shop in Greenwich Village was a quintessential Mecca for poets, offering the most comprehensive collection of poetry ever, anywhere. Owner, Robert Wilson, assumed ownership in 1962, and pumped spirit and enthusiasm into the poetry community until 1988. Wilson not only sold books, but encouraged and supported poets, who would come to the store to buy and sell books and manuscripts. This check could possible represent one such transaction. RRAuction COA.
