Arcana:

(RUSCHA, EDWARD) (BENGSTON, BILLY AL). Bengston, Billy Al & Edward Ruscha. Los Angeles: Self-Published by the Authors, 1968. First Edition 1/1000. 8vo. Wrappers with a Mounted Photo. Artists' Book. Good +./No Jacket - As Issued.. np (32pp), profusely illustrated in monochrome. Designed by Edward Ruscha. In a protective clear acetate dustwrapper. "Business Cards" is the innovatively designed and bound collaborative artists' book cum objet published in 1968 by Ed Ruscha and Billy Al Bengston. Limited to one thousand unique copies, it details in photographs by Ken Price and Larry Bell the process of the two artists designing their business cards, and the "presentation dinner" at Beverly Hills' The Bistro of the finished product(s). A most presentable example of the first and only edition of this uncommon item (entry B7 in Siri Engberg's "Edward Ruscha: Editions 1959-1999" which is also cited on pages 198-201 of The Hasselblad Center's "The Open Book") SIGNED "Bill" in black ink and "E. Ruscha" in blue ink on the front cover with its latigo leather thong complete and unbroken, the cover photograph present, and both cards stapled to the recto of the rear leaf, as issued, showing overall wear and creasing along the spine and edges of its faux wood veneer wrappers. In addition there is a thin margin of soiling along the top edge of the inside covers. It has been priced accordingly. PLEASE NOTE: Additional shipping costs are required for this item beyond our standard rates due to its value - we will inform you of the applicable amount at time of purchase. Inventory Number: 025607