Arcana:

Alva, Robert "Wisk" & Robert "Relax" Reiling. Roger Yale, Editor. Los Angeles: Alva & Reiling Publications, 2005. First Edition #15/300 Deluxe. Oblong 4to. Pictorial Boards, Boxed. Fine/No Jacket - As Issued. 448pp, profusely illustrated in color. "The History of Los Angeles Graffiti Art" is a series of four books that will cover the years 1983 to 2005. Volume 1 is based on the years 1983 to 1988, and is the starting point to the real story behind the movement that began in the early 1980s. It documents all aspects of Los Angeles Graffiti Art, providing an unbiased look into this world through the eyes of the people that have lived it. Within the book, you will discover the truth behind the photos and stories - all interviews and DVD slideshows are uncut and real. It's exciting and fresh to the point of understanding our culture, without cutting it up". This unprecedented, gigantic, full color encyclopedic document is divided into the following chapters: "Spotlights" - a special tribute to all writers who made significant contributions and influences to the L.A. Graffiti scene; "Pieces / Burners" - showcasing familiar works as well as numerous lost and legendary Pieces / Burners; "Battles" - a special section dedicated to L.A.'s first battles between some of its most prolific crews and writers of the first era; "Blackbooks" - historical detailed drawings done within writers' sketchbooks; "Articles" - reproductions of newspaper and magazine pieces related to historical L.A. Graff subject matter; and "R.I.P." - memorials for all respected deceased Los Angeles Graffiti writers. Perhaps most significantly, a DVD is included with each book that contains over thirty slide shows by various L.A. writers. Shot by the authors (who are respected members of the L.A. Graff scene themselves) for this project, it contains exclusive commentaries by the graffiti writers that allow them to breathe life into their own work - uncut, raw and true - and the reader to be able to place a voice on the parade of images. A brand new, most handsome example of the deluxe edition of this uncommon historical document - only twelve copies of the trade edition are currently cited in OCLC WorldCat - housed in the publisher's elaborate printed cardboard box limited to three hundred NUMBERED (15/300) copies whose book and the interior of the box have additionally been BOLDLY TAGGED "RELAX" by artist and author Robert "Relax" Reiling in thick bronze marker on the front pastedown. 1-59975-146-1 Inventory Number: 027187