Arcana:

(RUSCHA, EDWARD) (BENGSTON, BILLY AL). Bengston, Billy Al & Edward Ruscha. Los Angeles: Self-Published by the Authors, 1968. First Edition 1/1000. 8vo. Wrappers with a Mounted Photo. Artist's Book. Very Good./No Jacket - As Issued.. np (32pp), profusely illustrated in monochrome. Designed by Edward Ruscha. In a protective clear acetate dustwrapper. "Business Cards" is the innovatively designed and bound collaborative artists' book cum objet published in 1968 by Ed Ruscha and Billy Al Bengston. Limited to one thousand unique copies, it details in photographs by Ken Price and Larry Bell the process of the two artists designing their business cards, and the "presentation dinner" at Beverly Hills' The Bistro of the finished product(s). A most presentable example of the first and only edition of this uncommon item (entry B7 in Siri Engberg's "Edward Ruscha: Editions 1959-1999" which is also cited on pages 198-201 of The Hasselblad Center's "The Open Book") showing a slight dent to the heel of the spine and some wear and creasing along the spine and extremities of the faux wood veneer wrappers. Its latigo leather thong is complete and still-supple and the mounted front cover photograph is present and uncompromised - though its corner mounts show some sunning. Both business cards are stapled to the recto of the rear leaf, as issued. It additionally bears the BOLDLY INSCRIBED PRESENTATION "For Christopher Finch / Apt 412, 333 Oak Grove Street / Minneapolis Minnesota / 55403 / with much affection / B. A. B." as a thought balloon in black ink and "E Ruschay" in blue ink on the front cover. Chris Finch is a noted artist and writer who prominently included Ruscha's work in his 1968 survey "Pop Art: Object and Image" published by Studio Vista. He was a curator at Minneapolis' Walker Art Center at the time of "Business Cards"' publication, and from whom we obtained this significant tome directly. PLEASE NOTE: Additional shipping costs are required for this item beyond our standard rates due to its value - we will inform you of the applicable amount at time of purchase. Inventory Number: 022374