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Levitt, Helen (Photographer) & Coles, Robert (Contributor).
HELEN LEVITT IN THE STREET: CHALK DRAWINGS AND MESSAGES NEW YORK CITY 1938-1948.
Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1987. Softcover. First Edition/Third Printing. 105 pages. As New. Signed. Reissued Edition of the photographer's breakthrough debut collection. One of the greatest photography books of the 20th century. Published in a small and limited print run as a paperback original only by a University Press. A brilliant production by Helen Levitt and Marvin Hoshino: Oversize-volume format. Pictorial softcovers, which feature one of the photographer's images, with white titles on the cover and black titles on the maroon spine, as issued. Photographs by Helen Levitt. Essay by Robert Coles, the great Harvard child psychologist. List of Images and Messages appended at the end. Printed on thick coated stock paper in the United States to the highest standards. Without DJ, as issued. Presents the photographer's black-and-white photographs of the ephemeral chalk-drawing "street art" of the children of New York City. Most of the photographs are of the finished art, which are stunning, but many are of the kids working in groups, by themselves, or proudly posing with their masterpieces. Some of the images are not drawings at all but messages like: "F. Mintz owes Henrie 35 cents and refuses to pay Won't you kind folks help me to collect I thank you Henrie". Levitt's photographic record of her beloved city was integral to her work. Even when she travelled abroad, one had the feeling that she never really left New York City behind; it had become a part of her being. Many great photographers inspire awe and admiration. In these beautiful photographs, Helen Levitt will reduce the viewer to tears. One of the great exemplars of "street photography", Helen Levitt at her very best is on a par with those of other "street photographers" like Robert Frank, William Klein, and Garry Winogrand, that is to say, the greatest photographers of the 20th century. "Helen Levitt's work is a cornerstone in the history of photography" (International Center of Photography Master of Photography Award 1997). A masterpiece, this is a "must-have" title for Helen Levitt collectors. This copy is prominently, neatly, and beautifully signed in blue pen on the title page by Helen Levitt. This title has been out-of-print for a very long time even though it went into multiple subsequent printings. This is the only signed copy available online and has no flaws, a pristine beauty. Helen Levitt turned 95 in 2008, is in frail health, and rarely leaves home. Signed copies of her books are extremely rare. A rare signed copy thus. 100 duotone plates. Helen Levitt's "A Way of Seeing" was selected as one of the greatest photography books in "The Photobook". One of the greatest photographers of the 20th century. A flawless collectible copy. (SEE ALSO OTHER HELEN LEVITT TITLES IN OUR CATALOG). ISBN 0822307715. $250.00 |
