This past April, Heritage Auctions of New York City featured one of only 26 signed and lettered copies of Updike’s ribald poem “Cunts,” which is subtitled “(Upon Receiving The Swingers Life Club Membership Solicitation).”

There were no bids, and the item did not sell. Here is the description:

John Updike. Cunts (Upon Receiving The Swingers Life Club Membership Solicitation). New York: Frank Hallmann, printed by Andrew Hoyem, [1974]. One of twenty-six lettered copies, out of a total edition of 276, signed by Updike (this is copy “J”). Oblong octavo. [4, blank], [17], [3, blank] pages. Publisher’s burgundy paper over boards, printed paper labels on front board and spine. Spine a bit sunned, minor rubbing to binding, text block a bit loose. A very good copy. [Together With]: [John Updike, contributor]. Cunts… New York: New York Quarterly, 1973. Summer 1973 issue, Number 15. One of 457 copies signed by Updike on page 65 of this issue (Cunts appears on pages 63-65). Octavo. 220 pages. Original wrappers. Minor rubbing, else fine. Both versions of this poem housed together in custom-built burgundy cloth clamshell case, with hidden drawer housing the New York Quarterly issue. From the collection of Alexander J. Jemal, Jr.