|
08-014.
|
< · · >
|
 |
|
|
08-014. Alvin Lustig
André Gide book cover
New Directions Books
USA, 1947
4.75 x 7.25 x 1"
Bound paper
Facsimile signature and manufacturer's mark
Several months ago I began collecting examples of modernist graphic design, specifically books, to augment my already established collection of modern decorative arts. While I began with Paul Rand book covers quite by accident (as is normal with my methods of hunting and gathering), my true lust lied with book covers by Alvin Lustig. Good examples of Lustig's work are notoriously hard to find, however, so I sadly told myself that a collection of Lustig designed covers was well beyond my reach.
Until this morning.
When we woke up today, Kate stated a desire to go used book shopping. I'm never one to turn down an opportunity to go dig through other people's castoffs, so I enthusiastically took her up on the idea. At a small bookshop we frequent, buried on a shelf towards the back of the store, I found this first edition Lustig book jacket design. Part of a series titled "The Makers of Modern Literature," the cover for André Gide by Van Meter Ames is illustrated with a 1947 collage by Lustig that is used seemingly on all titles from this small series (although I could only find a photograph of one other example from the line online to prove this). Characteristic of much of Lustig's work from the late 1940's, the two color design is incredibly impactful and references cutting edge fine art of the same era. Although not a perfect example, it is one that I'll treasure!
Found on April 12, 2008 in Urbana, IL.
|
