The Eternal Body by Ruth Bernhard, Inscribed Association 1st Edition

The Eternal Body: A Collection of Fifty Nudes by Ruth Bernhard

First Edition, First Printing, 1986

Inscribed, Signed, and Dated by Ruth Bernhard to Ralph Gibson, Publisher of Lustrum Press

This is an extremely rare signed, first edition, first printing of Ruth Bernhard’s “The Eternal Body: A Collection of Fifty Nudes” published by Photography West Graphics, Carmel, CA, in 1986. Winner of the Photography Book of the Year Award, this is an extraordinary collection of fifty nude studies, each one an exquisite study of light and form by one of the most noted photographers of the twentieth century. In her introduction, Bernhard states "In photographing the nude, it is my aim to transform the complexities of the figure into harmonies of simplified form. I have approached my work with the nude much as I create a still life, with patience and reverence. My quest through the magic of light and shadow is to isolate, to simplify and to give emphasis to form with the greatest clarity." The 50 plates are arranged chronologically and span the years from 1934 to 1976.  Margaretta Mitchell, herself a dedicated photographer, has supplied a biography of Bernhard which charts her lifetime achievements.

Measuring 12” x 15”, the book is hardbound in pink linen and stamped in silver on the cover and spine with a photo-illustrated dust jacket. The condition of the book is Near Fine in a Very Good dust jacket that is slightly sunned as per usual with this title.

Ruth Bernhard has inscribed the book to Photographer Ralph Gibson in her beautiful calligraphic writing: 'Ralph, I am proud to be in your collection - Ruth Bernhard - August 11, 1988'

Ralph Gibson is the publisher of Lustrum Press that has produced some of the most notable photobooks of the twentieth century including Tulsa by Larry Clark.  He is also a renowned photographer in his own right and is best known for his series of books ‘The Triliogy’, which included 'The Somnambulist', 'Deja-Vu', and 'Days at Sea', all self-published in the 1970’s. This book bears his Ex Libris stamp on the half title page.

Photographs of the book and the full inscription/signature appear below. Please note that although the photographs appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photo viewer by running your mouse over the thumbnail.