THE CRACK IN THE COSMIC EGG 1ST EDTN KRAUTROCKSAMPLER

	£		74
	$		98

The Crack in the Cosmic Egg – Encyclopaedia of Krautrock, Kosmische Musik, & other Progressive, Experimental & Electronic Musics from Germany. By Alan and Steven Freeman of Ultima Thule.

First Edition, published by Audion Publications in 1996. Printed by AB Printers Ltd, Leicester. Print run: 2000 copies. ISBN 0-952506-0-X. 288 pages.

I bought this book shortly after it was published in 1996, during a ‘pilgrimage’ to the Freemans’ much-revered Ultima Thule shop in Leicester. I thought I knew something about Krautrock until I engaged in conversation with these guys. I went there to sell some vinyl ‘rarities’ following a clearout at home and the need to raise some cash, only to come away with a handful of truly rare CDs, a depleted bank balance and an increased sense of what I didn’t know. And, most significantly, this book.

From the back cover:

‘The rise of experimental music in Germany since the late 60’s is unrivalled, its influence can be found in all forms of modern music, from the pioneering works of Eimert, Sal and Stockhausen, onto the weird groundbreaking rock forms popularly known as Krautrock, as made famous by Amon Duul 11, Can, Faust, Kraftwerk and Neu!, and dozens of other lesser-known but no-less important names. The richness of this late-60’s and early-70’s era, with new forms of fusion,world-musics, and kosmische musik heralded by Ash Ra Tempel, Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream, is full of unexpected delights and surprises. A cornucopia (as one German band wisely called themselves) of delights, almost every groundbreaking new form of music started in Germany, and it didn’t stop with the 70’s. There’s much more to this story, as there’s a wealth of unknown music that is essential listening. But, this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. ‘The Crack in the Cosmic Egg’ delves deep into this scene, observing every nook and cranny. It’s the essential guide for all collectors and aficionados.’ 

The book is listed as 'used' but it is in excellent (more or less mint, I’d say) condition. It has been kept in an enclosed bookcase in a smoke-free environment since purchase and handled with care when read. It is in the same condition as you might expect it to be if purchased new off the bookshelf in a bookshop. The picture provided is a scan of the actual item for sale. If you are a 110% perfectionist and the condition is of utmost importance to you please let me know and I will give the book closer scrutiny.

As to the book’s value - I’ve researched the internet and only found one copy for sale to date, as a ‘collectable’ – at £300 (verification available if required). It is nonetheless put to auction without reserve and, in the true spirit of Krautrock, open to the free market. Hopefully though it will go to a home where its content will be appreciated and enjoyed.

See my 100% feedback and bid with confidence. Happy to answer any questions – plse email.

Polite Note: Bidders with less than 10 positive feedbacks, or any negative feedback within the last 12 months, please contact me BEFORE bidding with a landline telephone number – this is to protect genuine bidders and avoid the ‘bandits’ out there. Bids will otherwise be cancelled.

Please note that the book is for sale elsewhere – I therefore reserve the right to remove from auction should it be sold outside of eBay.

Postage and Packing – The item will be carefully wrapped to ensure protection in transit. The book is quite heavy at around 1kg before packaging, hence the postage being a little on the high side - UK £5 / Europe £8 / Worldwide £12. For non-UK buyers the price quoted is for AirMail, a cheaper option would be Surface Mail but obviously takes longer to arrive.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BIDDERS OUTSIDE THE UK – You will need to ensure that payment is made in £s Sterling and that the amount of the winning bid plus the appropriate post and packing charge arrives in my bank account NET of ALL currency conversion costs AND bank administration charges at your end and mine. No foreign cheques, money orders as it’s just too expensive and complicated. Alternatively, I will accept payment in cash (£s Sterling or Euros – notes only, no coins). This has proven in the past to be the quickest and cheapest way to conclude international transactions, though it is of course a little riskier. Cash should be sent well-concealed and is at sender’s own risk. Entirely up to the winning bidder which method used.

Note: I do not use PayPal.

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