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THIRTYFOUR PARKING LOTS IN LOS ANGELES
(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! A bright, 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 a minute margin of age-toning along the top edge of the front cover. The publisher's fragile, age-toned glassine wrapper is present though chipped, torn, and missing a significant portion of the lower rear panel. A white adhesive label reading "American Distributor: / Wittenborn and Company / 1018 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10021" is affixed to the verso of the final page. It has been priced accordingly. Inventory Number: 025721