Observations

New York: Simon and Schuster, 1959. Hardcover. Folio. Glossy paper over boards, original clear acetate wrapper, slipcase. 151pp. Numerous illustrations. Near fine/near fine/very good. Quite minor slipcase wear; ownership signature on rear flyleaf. Tight and quite lovely first edition of the first book by the fashion and portrait photographer (1924-2003), accompanied by Capote's provocative text. While copies signed by Avedon and/or Capote are especially desirable, this unusual extra-illustrated copy bears bold signatures of six of the photographer's celebrity subjects in ink on fine, matching heavy stock 5" X 3" cards tipped to front flyleaf. Top row, (truncated) left to right, is BRIGITTE BARDOT (born 1934, French actress and model, appears on page 107), who signs hugely in blue fineline, dating it September 1983 at upper right; and RUDOLF BING (1902-97, long-time New York Metropolitan Opera manager, appears on page 21), who signs boldly in black ink, dating it 20 March 1980 at upper right. Middle row, left to right: ALFRED HITCHCOCK (1899-1980, British film director, appears on page 15), who signs in black fineline, with typed date of 14 June 1979 at upper right; and LENA HORNE (1917-2010, singer, dancer and actress, appears on pages 86-87), who signs boldly in black fineline, adding "To Richard" at upper left and dating it 10 September 1969 at upper right. Bottom row, left to right: ZINKA MILANOV (1906-89, Yugoslav-born operatic soprano, appears on page 24), who signs in black fineline, dating it 2 November 1983 at upper right; and MAUREEN STAPLETON (1925-2006, Oscar-winning actress of screen, stage and television, appears on page 112), who signs in blue ballpoint, dating it 10 January 1969 at upper right. Laid in are all six original transmittal envelopes. A superb copy with a most unusual signature grouping affixed. (Inventory #: 50011)