16 black & white plates. [32] pp. Square 4to (200 x 200 mm.), orig. illustrated semi-stiff wrappers (extremities a bit worn), staple-bound. London: Studio International, 1969.

An extremely rare signed copy of this early Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) artist’s book, he has inscribed the verso of the final leaf: “For Sid Tillim / Sol LeWitt.” Sidney Tillim (1925-2001) was an influential art critic and artist who wrote for Artforum and Arts Magazine. This is LeWitt’s fifth book, but the third standalone publication not originating from an exhibition or periodical.

“The front cover of Four Basic Kinds of Straight Lines is an... More

Two folded photolithographed plates (both 165 x 124 mm. folded). Two printed leaves (title & hand-numbered limitation statement), folded. Housed in publisher’s printed folder. Torino: Marco Noire Editore, 1986.

A rare publication made for LeWitt’s exhibition at Marco Noire in 1986. It was printed in a small edition of 150 copies by “fratelli Cirone & Donatella Gaydou.” The present work consists of two finely rendered plates of pyramids that were displayed as part of LeWitt’s show. Many of his exhibitions in the mid-80s involved large-scale wall drawings and prints employing the pyramid form.

In fine condition. WorldCat records a single... More

Black & white illus. throughout. [6] leaves, printed on rectos only. Square 4to, pictorial upper wrapper, staple-bound. Bari: Galleria Marilena Bonomo, 1973.

Rare Sol LeWitt exhibition catalogue, published for his 1973 show with Marilena Bonomo that opened on 10 May; WorldCat records just five copies in North America. The book contains reproductions of the artist’s drawings.

Very good copy of a surprisingly scarce LeWitt book; minor vertical crease. With thanks to Hamza Walker who brought our attention to the 1973 Bonomo show and its opening date.

❧ Maffei & De Donno, Sol LeWitt: Artist’s Books (2009), p. 44 (pictured).

Sol... More

[80] pp. Small square 4to (122 x 122 mm.), orig. printed softcover with flaps, orig. printed dust-jacket, title on spine. Firenze & Lugo: Exempla & Exit & Zona Archives, 1988.

A rare signed example of this LeWitt artist’s book; it was printed in an edition of 350, with 50 copies signed by the artist. The receipt of a Kawara “I am still alive” telegram inspired LeWitt to formulate the “variations”, for example: “I AM STILL ON KAWARA,” “I AM ALIVE, ON KAWARA,” “STILL, AM I ALIVE,” “STILL, AM I ON?”. These 74 sensical permutations were first printed (in English, German... More