Arcana:

(RUSCHA, EDWARD). Ruscha, Edward. Los Angeles: Self-Published, 1967. First Edition 1/2413. 4to. Printed Wrappers with Glassine. Artist's Book. Very Good./Very Good -.. np (48pp), 34 b&w photographs (1 die-cut and folded). In a protective 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! 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, four hundred and thirteen unnumbered copies additionally stamped by the artist in red ink "JAN 28 1968" and bearing the BOLDLY SIGNED PRESENTATION "To Sid & Rosamund / Ed Ruscha" in blue ink across the front free endpaper. Rosamund and Sidney Felsen are co-founders of Gemini G.E.L. - the legendary fine art printers that have published numerous editions with the artist since the seventies - and two of the most dynamic supporters of contemporary art in Los Angeles durin the past half century. Sid Felsen contributed photographs to Ruscha's 1970 artist book, "Babycakes". The book itself shows light overall age-appropriate wear, handling and some soiling at the head of the spine along with some typical light sunning to the lettering along the spine. The publisher's fragile glassine wrapper is age-toned with some short closed tears, chipping, and some minor paper loss along its edges. It has been priced accordingly. PLEASE NOTE: Additional shipping costs are required for this item beyond our standard rates due to its value - we will inform you of the applicable amount at time of purchase. Inventory Number: 025234