WITH 32 SPLENDID PHOTOGRAVURES OF CHILDREN

(WALTHER, Hedda) EIPPER, Paul. Menschenkinder [Human Children]. Berlin: Dietrich Reimer/Ernst Vohsen, 1930. Square quarto, original pale blue cloth, original photographic dust jacket. $650.

First edition of this lovely photobook on childhood, with text in German by Paul Eipper and 32 black-and-white photogravure plates by Hedda Walther.

One of the first of several popular collaborations between photographer Hedda Walter and writer Paul Eipper, Menschenkinder (Human Children) fully conveys the richness of a photographic movement in the 1930s, when "publishers showed great enterprise in employing photography to illustrate books for children… utilizing the medium in both a realistic and a fantastic way. The children's photobook of that era is a serious study in itself" (Parr & Badger I:102). With 32 lovely full-page photogravures of children from around the world. Text in German.

Light foxing, occasionally affecting plates; some edge-wear, minor tape repair to verso of bright dust jacket. An extremely good copy, scarce in original dust jacket.