Arcana:

(ALVENG, DAG). Alveng, Dag & Susan Kismaric. Oslo, NORWAY: Koks Forlag & Preus Fotomuseum, 1986. First Edition 1/400. 4to. Boards in Printed Dust Jacket. Photography Monograph. Near Fine/Very Good. np (60pp), 26 duotone illustrations. Designed by Per Maning. Text in English and Norwegian. In a protective clear acetate dustwrapper. "Asylum" is noted Oslo-based photographer Dag Alveng's haunting look at a Norwegian Mental Institution as evidenced by its interiors and objects - devoid of its residents. It features beautifully reproduced black and white plates whose halftone negatives were prepared by the esteemed Richard Benson. An internally bright, most handsome example of the exceedingly uncommon 1986 first edition (cited on page 298 of Martin Parr and Gerry Badger's "The Photobook: A History Volume II") limited to four hundred unnumbered copies whose notoriously fragile printed vellum dust jacket shows a few slight chips, ripples and closed tears, and has adhered in spots to the glue-impregnated covers along the spine and rear panel, as is typical. The striking front cover image of an empty seating arrangement in the forest is unimpaired. Inventory Number: 022500