Arcana:

(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 clear acetate 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! An internally most handsome example of the uncommon 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 showing light wear and handling along with a gentle diagonal soft crease through a portion of the textblock at the lower foredge corner. The publisher's fragile glassine wrapper is age-toned with some notable moisture stains on the rear panel as well as chipping and paper loss along its spine and edges. It has been priced accordingly. Inventory Number: 025068