Ed Ruscha: Set of 12 Artist Books

A rare collection of 12 of Ed Ruscha’s highly influential artist’s books, beginning with his famous ‘Twentysix Gasoline Stations’, considered by many to be the first artist’s book.

Each organised around a concept and composed of his simple, meticulous photographs, Ruscha’s books continued pop’s interest in the everyday while extending its vocabulary, moving beyond traditional forms of expression towards a more radical conception of the art object. No longer something to be hung on walls, art became something fluid, open, without boundaries. Produced between 1962 and 1978, these books represent a significant moment in the development of twentieth-century art. Sold as a set. Includes the following titles:

Every Building on the Sunset Strip (First edition, second issue, 1966) — Very good condition, some rubbing and wear to cover edges. Housed in publisher’s silver mylar-covered slipcase, showing some wear

Thirtyfour Parking Lots (First edition, 1967) — Very good condition, minor rubbing to edges, acetate cover torn with area of loss

Nine Swimming Pools and a Broken Glass (First edition, 1968) — Very good condition, some chipping and browning to acetate covers

Crackers (First edition, 1969) — Very good condition, some chipping to top edge, marking to cover

Twentysix Gasoline Stations (Third edition, 1969), one of 3000 copies — Near fine condition, minor chipping to acetate covers

Some Los Angeles Apartments (Second edition, 1970), one of 3000 copies — Near fine condition, some browning to spine of acetate cover

Various Small Fires and Milk (Second edition, 1970), one of 3000 copies — Near fine, minor chipping to acetate covers

Real Estate Opportunities (First edition, 1970) — Near fine condition, some browning to spine of acetate cover

A Few Palm Trees (First Edition, 1971) — Very good condition, chipping and creasing to cover edges

Records (First edition, 1971) — Near fine condition, a few marks to front cover

Royal Road Test (Third edition, 1971), one of 2000 copies — Very good condition, minor marking to covers and creases to edges

Colored People (First edition, 1972) — Very good condition, some creasing and marking to cover edges