BUSINESS CARDS
Signed first and only edition of Ruscha and Bengston's collaborative book.
Near fine.
Price: $4,000.00
BUSINESS CARDS
"If there is any facet of my work that I feel was kissed by angels [...] I'd say it was my books." — Ruscha quoted in Bourdon
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."
Read more: Engberg & Phillpot, Catalogue Raisonné, B7; Bourdon, "Ruscha as Publisher [Or All Booked Up]"; Mitchum, "A Conversation with Ed Ruscha."
The Object
[Hollywood, CA]: [Heavy Industry Publications], 1968. 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 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.
The Fine Print
We work hard to meet our ethical responsibility to describe our material accurately. All items are guaranteed as described and may be returned for any reason within 30 days. Please notify us before mailing a return.
We guarantee the authenticity of our items. All materials are original (meaning not facsimiles or reproductions) unless otherwise noted. First editions (meaning first edition, first printing) are explicitly stated. TPM is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and upholds their Code of Ethics.
All photographs are of the actual item for sale. We're happy to provide additional images on request.
All domestic orders ship gratis. For orders under $250, free USPS media mail shipping is included; orders $250 and over ship USPS Ground Advantage. International orders over $1000 also ship gratis. Expedited, overnight, as well as other carriers (UPS, Fed-Ex, etc.), may carry additional costs beyond quoted rates. All orders receive tracking information and a direct contact in case of any questions.
International buyers are responsible for any customs, taxes, and related import fees. Please note that we are unable to accomodate requests to misrepresent, misdeclare, or otherwise falsify customs documents when shipping internationally. We appreciate your understanding.
We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, Venmo, check, money order, and bank wire. We are happy to bill institutional buyers' needs. Sales tax will be added to applicable purchases. Items subject to prior sale.
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, please contact us. We prioritize our long-term relationships far above any individual purchase, and we want you to love your item as much as we loved cataloguing it.
