It never ceases to amaze me that people think they can get away with very obvious stuff, like this editor for example. Bukowski is not some unknown author - he has a good following.
Did this editor really think nobody would notice? That nobody would get pissed and complain? I just don’t get it
There is clearly a pathological element in such an operation, whether it was by Martin or someone else. Inserting yourself in the work of somebody else can be a power move, or a subconscious desire to get noticed - like a serial killer leaving signature clues. Or it could be a misguided commercial consideration, that Bukowski can be "too sad / depressing / offensive" and so he needs to be toned down to sell more books.
Besides, Bukowski the writer is famous but Bukowski the poet, like all poetry, enjoys very limited popularity.
Did this editor really think nobody would notice? That nobody would get pissed and complain? I just don’t get it