Chili, September 1973 by Koen Wessing, First Edition

Chili, September 1973 by Koen Wessing

First Edition, First Printing, 1973

FINE Condition

This is a very rare first edition, first printing of Koen Wessing’s critically acclaimed photobook “Chili, September 1973” published by De Bezigle Bij, Amsterdam in 1973. The book describes the tense days of the military attempt to root out public opposition in the streets of Santiago after the fall of Salvador Allende to Augusto Pinochet’s coup d’etat in 1973. Commenting on the book, Parr & Badger in their reference work, “The Photobook: A History” wrote, "The Dutch photographer Koen Wessing was on the streets of Santiago immediately after the coup happened. His gritty documentary pictures were quickly published in this no frills, extremely elegant photobook … There are not many images in the book, but each is carefully considered, modest and succinct ... despite the difficulties of taking photographs in such a tense and difficult situation. The main thrust of the book is the coup’s immediate aftermath, the shock and grief of the people, the rounding up of Allende’s supporters by the Army, and their herding into the now notorious National Stadium in Santiago, where many would be tortured and killed. Wessing vividly captures one of these executions, in a two-page sequence that forms the book’s climax.”

Containing 24 black-and gravures (most of them double page) and measuring approximately 10.75” x 7.75”, the book is bound in illustrated wrappers. The book and wraps are in FINE condition with some very shallow creases that are common to this title because of the quality of the paper that was used in production. The wraps are protected with a mylar covering. This title is becoming increasing scarce and the price has been escalating accordingly. A copy of this title with condition issues sold at Christies in May, 2010 for $3100.

Cited in “The Photobook: A History” by Parr and Badger.

Photographs of the front and back cover as well as photographs contained in the book appear below. Please note that although the photographs appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photo viewer by running your mouse on the thumbnail.