I Am Joaquin Epic Poem, 1967
This is my personal copy of (what I believe) is a true first printing of , I Am Joaquin: An Epic Poem by Mexican American poet and activist Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales (1928-2005). This copy was purchased in San Jose in 1972. Uploading soon to lowriderfever.com
This powerful epic poem, in parallel English and Spanish versions, was the literary manifesto for the Chicano movement. It was widely read and performed during the late 1960s and early 1970s, bringing together literature and politics, the hallmark of Chicano political movements for many years thereafter.
The first printing was mimeographed; that was followed by a photocopied edition; and then a printed version in silver wrappers (there was also a Bantam massmarket paperback, illustrated with photographs.
Of the earliest of these printed editions, the earliest copies probably referred to the “struggle of the Chicano” on the back cover. An edition that was available in the 1990s had the title in red on the front cover; a reference to “Mexican-American” o