“TO POSSESS THE TRUTH IN ONE BODY AND ONE SOUL”

(MAPPLETHORPE, Robert) RIMBAUD, Arthur. A Season in Hell. Translated by Paul Schmidt. With Photogravures by Robert Mapplethorpe. (New York): Limited Editions Club, (1986). Small folio, original full red morocco, original black cloth slipcase. $1950.

Signed limited edition, number 986 of only 1000 copies, signed by both Robert Mapplethorpe and translator Paul Schmidt, with eight superb photogravures by Mapplethorpe.

"Of the arresting photographs used to illustrate this book, several of the images rank among the photographer's most famous" (Phillips & Zwicker 30). "They illuminate the text with a shared knowledge of the passage through the dark side of the soul. With a cynical eye to God and the conventions of modern society, Mapplethorpe reflects a life lived to the extremes of destruction and exaltation." This handsome private-press edition was designed by Benjamin Shiff, printed at the Wild Carrot Press and bound by Jovonis. The original French text and the English translation are printed on facing pages. Original prospectus laid in. See Roth 22, 24.

A fine copy of a splendid production.