Arcana:

(KRULL, GERMAINE). Krull, Germaine & Florent Fels. Paris. ND (1927).: Librairie des Arts Decoratifs, A. Calavas, Editeur. First Edition. 4to. Loose Plates in a Portfolio. Photography Monograph. Very Good +/No Jacket - As Issued. np (viii pp), 64 individual 11 ½ x 9" cardstock sheets printed in monochrome collotype gravure, recto only, 64 monochrome illustrations + cover. In a protective clear acetate dustwrapper. Published in 1927, Germaine Krull's "Métal" is a stunning tour de force of modernist photography that is recognized as one of the unparalleled examples of twentieth century photobook production. Issued as part of the Librairie des Arts Decoratifs by A. Calavas, Editeur, it is a portfolio comprised of eight pages of text printed by letterpress accompanied by sixty-four striking loose full page collotype plates that explore the machinery and details of Paris' Tour Eiffel. A spectacularly well-preserved example of the first edition of this exquisite, exceedingly uncommon object (cited on page 95 of Martin Parr and Gerry Badger's "The Photobook: A History Volume I", pages 64-65 of The Hasselblad Center's "The Open Book", page 147 of Horacio Fernandez' "Fotografia Publica: Photography in Print 1919-1939", and pages 46-47 of "The Book of 101 Books") showing some very minor handling and age-toning to the paper and plates along with the charming decorative bookplate of previous owner Adams T. Rice - the late Federal Theatre Project-affiliated stage manager and director - affixed to the inside front cover. The covers are bright and fresh, with the cloth ties present at the foredge. This is an exceptional example of this much sought-after title. Inventory Number: 025086