Self-Imitation of Myself. Stories.

First edition. 8vo. Pp. [xiv], 334, [2]. Red paper backstrip over tan paper-covered boards, lettered in gilt to spine. Deckled fore-edges.

A collection of nearly fifty short narratives that extend the bounds of the story form. A contentious literary figure and legendary editor at Knopf and Esquire, with half his students swearing by him and the other half swearing at him. On August 9, 1998, The New York Times Magazine published "The Carver Chronicles", an article by D.T. Max, about the extent of Lish's editing of Carver's short stories which was visible in manuscripts held at the Lilly Library.

"[Lish has the ability] to bend the [short story] form into striking shapes with all the courageous fervour of an alchemist whipping up recipes for gold." –Esquire