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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. Landmark collection of the photographer's work. Published in a small and limited print run as a paperback original only by a University Press. A handsome production by Marvin Hoshino: Oversize-volume format. Pictorial softcovers that feature one of the photographer's images with white titles on cover and black titles on 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 of the book. Printed on thick glossy 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 behind; it was always a part of her being. Many great photographers inspire awe and admiration, but in these beautiful photographs, Helen Levitt will reduce the viewer to tears. One of the great exemplars of "street photography", the best work of Levitt 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 copy is neatly and beautifully signed in blue pen on the title page by Helen Levitt. The photographer has long ago stopped doing public signings as she is now in her nineties and seldom leaves home. This title has been out-of-print for a very long time even thouugh it went into multiple subsequent printings. This is the only signed copy available online and has no flaws, a pristine beauty. A rare signed copy thus. 100 duotones. 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 |
