Manhattan Rare Book Company

"This book tracks the path of three crucial illusions in my life. The first section is about the illusion of laughter, and a young man's discovery of the fine line between hilarity and panic. The second section is about the illusion of power. The third section is about the loss of all illusions. All of the images were brought to me by the real people and events of my time..." -Richard Avedon, An Autobiography

"The Whitney Museum of American Art is proud to present this retrospective of Richard Avedon's extraordinary work. Continually challenging himself, never satisfied, Avedon embodies the wisdom of holding on to the insecurity that lies at the heart of a true artistic sensibility." -David A. Ross, Alice Pratt Brown Director, Whitney Museum of Art

SIGNED LIMITED SPECIAL EDITION BOX SET, with two original hand-stamped engraver's proofs. Although the limitation states 250 copies, only about 100 were actually produced. Signed and numbered in the box by Avedon.

Issued to accompany the celebrated 1994 Avedon retrospective at the Whitney Museum. With engraver's proofs of Jasper Johns (New York City, 1965) and Jean Shrimpton (Paris, 1970).

An Autobiography is lavishly illustrated with 284 photographs documenting Avedon's career from the 1940's to the 1990's; Evidence includes essays by Jane Livingston and Adam Gopnik and is illustrated with over 600 iconic Avedon images.

New York: Random House, 1993-94. Folio, original matching full linen with colored lettering, matching clamshell box with blind-stamped title; engraver's proofs in separate paper folders (as issued); with slip denoting "Whitney originals". Fine condition. RARE.

Price: $6,500 .