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THIRTYFOUR PARKING LOTS IN LOS ANGELES - A SPECTACULAR SIGNED ASSOCIATION COPY FROM ED RUSCHA TO MARCIA WEISMAN
(RUSCHA, EDWARD). Ruscha, Edward. Los Angeles: Self-Published, 1967. First Edition 1/2413. 4to. Printed Wrappers with Glassine. Artist's Book. Very Good -./Good.. np (48pp), 34 b&w photographs (1 die-cut and folded). In a protective wax paper dustwrapper. "Thirtyfour Parking Lots in Los Angeles" is Ed Ruscha's fifth photographically illustrated artist book, and the largest in format of his self-published works of the sixties. For it, Mr. Ruscha presciently hired local aerial photographer Art Alanis to capture grand, bird's eye views of the parking lots of the likes of Universal City, The May Company, Dodger Stadium, and thirty-one more - all completely devoid of cars! A most presentable example of the 1968 first edition (entry B5 in Siri Engberg's "Edward Ruscha: Editions 1959-1999" which is also cited on page 141 of Martin Parr and Gerry Badger's "The Photobook: A History Volume II", pages 198-201 of The Hasselblad Center's "The Open Book", and page 227 of "From Fair to Fine 3") limited to two thousand, two hundred and thirteen unnumbered copies additionally bearing the spectacular SIGNED PRESENTATION "To Marcia / My oldest and dearest without whose constant aid this dream would never have been a reality - Love ya / Ed" in pencil across the entire front free endpaper. In addition, the artist has inserted his own bold fingerprint between the third and fourth lines of the inscription. The late Marcia Simon Weisman, was for over four decades one of the most dynamic supporters of contemporary art in Los Angeles, a founding member of MoCA, and an ardent friend and collector of Ruscha's work. In thirty years we have handled well over one hundred books signed by the artist, and not seen anything approaching the length, complexity, and heartfelt sentiment of this inscription! The book itself shows light overall age-appropriate wear, handling and soiling. The publisher's fragile glassine wrapper is age-toned and lightly soiled with chipping and some paper loss along its edges. It has been priced accordingly. Inventory Number: 022423