The Travel Abstractions

[Siskind, Aaron] (1903–1991) ; [Photographer]

Places: Aaron Siskind Photographs [Association Copy] [Inscribed to Ben Raeburn]

New York: Light Gallery / Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1976.

A PREMIER ASSOCIATION COPY OF SISKIND’S MID-CAREER MASTERWORK, INSCRIBED TO HIS MOST VITAL ADVOCATE, BEN RAEBURN.
While Places serves as a visual itinerary of Siskind’s travels through Italy, Mexico, and the American West, this specific specimen represents a deeply personal acknowledgement of professional debt. Siskind’s inscription—Dear Ben - How - ever - can I thank you enough - for all you are, + all you have done for me. Aaron—solidifies the historical link between the artist and the publisher who launched his career two decades prior.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Inscription: Warmly inscribed by Aaron Siskind on the half-title to his lifelong publisher and friend, Ben Raeburn.
+++ Design: Typographic design by Malcolm Grear Designers; printed by Pentacle Press on Warren Cameo Dull paper. 
+++ Content: Introductory essay by Thomas B. Hess; 112 pages of photographic travel studies. 
+++ Imprint: Light Gallery / Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1976. First Printing (7500 copies). Published in an edition of 7500 copies
+++ Specs: 11.5 inches tall; 112 pages.

CONDITION: Near Fine / Very Good. 
+++ The Book: Near fine. Black cloth is clean with sharp corners and bright lettering. Internal pages are pristine; the inscription is bold and clear. 
+++ The Jacket: Very Good. Original unclipped dust jacket. Shows light edge wear consistent with careful handling. A superior survival.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ The Raeburn Provenance: This volume documents the gratitude of a master at the height of his fame toward the individual who provided his initial platform at Horizon Press in 1959.
+++ Production Standards: The colophon identifies the elite team behind the 1970s photo-book boom: Malcolm Grear (design), Dumar (typesetting), and Pentacle Press (printing).

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
In the history of 20th-century photography, the relationship between Aaron Siskind and Ben Raeburn is foundational. This inscription is a primary source documenting Siskind's own recognition that his transition from social realist to abstract icon was made possible by Raeburn’s early advocacy. It elevates the book from a standard monograph to a significant artifact of the New York School's inner circle.

SUBJECTS: Aaron Siskind, Ben Raeburn, Horizon Press, Light Gallery, Abstract Expressionism, New York School, Association Copy, Inscribed First Edition, Photography Monograph.

Item #21716
ISBN: 0374232059

Price: $425.00