“THE BENEVOLENT DESPOTISM OF BOOKS”: KERTÉSZ ON READING, 1975

KERTÉSZ, André. On Reading. New York: Grossman, 1975. Slim, square octavo, original photographic stiff paper covers. $95.

Later edition of this photo-essay on “the contemplative and the exuberant experience of reading,” with 60 pages of finely screened halftones. From the collection of photojournalist Peter Turnley.

“There is in the work of Kertész… a sense of the sweetness of life, a free and childlike pleasure in the beauty of the world and the preciousness of sight” (Szarkowski, 92). This is his brilliant photo-essay on readers and reading. “Only a reader could have entrapped the contemplative and the exuberant experience of reading, the benevolent despotism of books. André Kertész must have been addicted at birth and for life” (Jean Stafford). First published in 1971. From the collection of Peter Turnley, acclaimed photojournalist for Newsweek, Life and Harper’s Magazine, who has covered “almost every important international news event of the last 15 years” (New York Times). Owner signature.

Extremely good condition, with only moderate wear to original paper covers.