An Autobiography.

AVEDON, Richard.

Published by New York: Random House, 1993

First edition, signed limited issue, number 81 of 250 copies signed and numbered by the photographer, with an engraver's proof photograph of Marilyn Monroe loosely inserted as issued. Avedon's photographic autobiography ranges from his earliest private pictures to the snapshots of stars that made his name. His "fashion and portrait photographs helped define America's image of style, beauty, and culture for the last half-century" (New York Times obituary). The print is Avedon's most famous portrait of Monroe, taken in his studio in May 1957. "For hours she danced and sang and flirted and did this thing that's - she did Marilyn Monroe", he recalled. "And then there was the inevitable drop. And when the night was over and the white wine was over and the dancing was over, she sat in the corner like a child, with everything gone. I saw her sitting quietly without expression on her face, and I walked towards her but I wouldn't photograph her without her knowledge of it. And as I came with the camera, I saw that she was not saying no" (Museum of Modern Art). The subsequent photograph is one of the most intimate portraits of the superstar and one of Avedon's most iconic images. Quarto. Photographic illustrations throughout. Original white cloth, spine and front cover lettered in grey, black and white photographic illustration mounted on rear cover. With white cloth slipcase and print (340 x 270 mm) as issued, in original cardboard box lettered in grey. Review of An Autobiography from the San Francisco Examiner (12 December 1993) loosely inserted. A few faint marks to covers and slipcase; cardboard box marked, bumped at foot with two short abrasions: a near-fine copy. Seller Inventory # 176581

Bibliographic Details

Title: An Autobiography.
Publisher: New York: Random House, 1993
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: 1st Edition