Arcana:

(RUSCHA, EDWARD). Ruscha, Edward & Mason Williams. Hollywood, CA: Heavy Industry Publications, 1969. First Edition 1/5000. 8vo. Wrappers in Printed Jacket. Artist's Book. Very Good./Good +.. np (240pp), 115 b&w illustrations. This is Ed Ruscha's photo-illustrated narrative featuring noted Los Angeles fashion designer Rudi Gernreich, his frequent model Leon Bing, artist Larry Bell, and Tommy Smothers as models based on Mason Williams' text "How to Derive the Maximum Enjoyment from Crackers" (which is printed on the inside rear flap of the dust jacket). Intentionally photographed as if a collection of film stills, this project served as the basis for Ruscha's 1971 film "Premium". A most handsome example of the first and only edition (entry B10 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") additionally bearing the BOLDLY SIGNED PRESENTATION "For Bill - give this cover a scrubbing - Ed" to William Wilson in blue ink on the front free endpaper whose highly acidic chipboard covers show some typical age-toning and attendant offsetting to the free endpapers. Its white dust jacket shows light wear and minor chipping along the top and bottom edges, some overall soiling, browning to the spine and extremities, and fading to the red title lettering on the spine. The "Crackers" logo on the front of the jacket is still bright. It has been priced accordingly. The late William Wilson was the noted art critic for the Los Angeles Times for over thirty years, and a friend of the artist. We acquired this directly from Mr. Wilson's library prior to his passing. Inventory Number: 025056