In 2004 broadsheet editor Mark Pirie published his first publication using The Night Press imprint.
The book, The Bet, was a tribute to the late American rock singer, Jim Morrison, who had been an influence on Pirie’s early work. The poems date from 1992-1993, written between the ages of 18 and 19 years. Mark was doing a tribute to The Doors for his 2004 Winter Readings poetry series at Tupelo bar in Wellington when the book was printed. The book was hand-made and only a limited number of copies were printed for his friends who had an interest in The Doors’ music and Jim Morrison’s lyrics and poetry. A drawing of Jim by Michael O’Leary appears in the book.
Most of the allusions in Pirie’s poems are to specific Morrison lyrics and poems and are best enjoyed by those already acquainted with Morrison’s work.
You can download or view the book for free here:
The Bet Poems in Memory of Jim Morrison by Mark Pirie (1.06MB)
A printed copy of the book is held in the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington, New Zealand.
