The Source, William Wantling. First Edition.

William Wantling (1933-1974) was an American poet, novelist, professor, Marine and convict. Details about his life and a little sketchy, with poet W.D. Ehrhart saying "what little we know about his life has already become distorted and mythologized, fiction made fact by constant repetition." What we do know is that after high school in Illinois, he joined the marines and served during the Korean War in 1953. Following this, he was arrested for forgery and narcotics possession and served five years in San Quentin from 1958-1963. Then he earned his BA and MA from Illinois State University, where he obtained a teaching position which he held until his death in 1974, which was brought about by his extensive drug use.

His is a dynamic and empathic voice, with his writings detailing his experiences in the Korean War, addiction and prision. Despite critical acclaim, his poetry was largely ignored during his lifetime and, with a few exceptions, is still rather peripheral. The Source is an uncommon small book of poems, published in 1966 by Dust Books. This is the first (and only) printing:

One of just a handful of Wantling photos around:

More info here: