BUSINESS CARDS

[Hollywood, CA]: [Heavy Industry Publications], 1968. Near fine.. Signed first and only edition of Ruscha and Bengston's collaborative book. BUSINESS CARDS, Ruscha explained in a later interview with Trina Mitchum, "started as a joke but then we decided to go through with it [...] We had a dinner at the Bistro in Beverly Hills and after dinner we had a very dramatic business card exchange which Larry Bell photographed with his Polaroid and good judgment. Later the book of photographs came out." 8.5'' x 5.5''. Original faux wood-grain wrappers tied with knotted leather cord, hand-bound by artists. Black and white photograph mounted to front cover. Edition (truncated) of 1000 copies. Signed by Ruscha and Bengston on front cover. 21 photographic illustrations. Two cards stapled to final leaf as issued; Bengston's card slightly crumpled, also as issued. Embossment of art consultant Aldis Browne to front free endpaper. Light edgewear and rubbing to wrappers. Else bright and sound. (Inventory #: 49915)