Berenice Abbott, “Changing New York”, 1939, First EdBerenice Abbott (1898-1991) – American

Berenice Abbott, “Changing New York”, 1939, First Ed
Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) – American photographer
Elizabeth McCausland (1899-1965) – American art critic and author
“Changing New York.” New York: E.P. Dutton & Company, Inc., 1939. First edition, first printing in conjunction with the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration.
Inscribed by Berenice Abbott to fellow photographer Eliot Elisofon (1911-1973) on front free flypage in blue ink, ‘Berenice Abbot Salut to Eliot’
Roth, pp. 100-101; Parr & Badger I, p. 141; Hasselblad pp.130-131; Auer, p. 276
Quatro (286 x 225 mm); in publisher’s dark blue cloth covered boards with gilt lettering and emblem of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration, in photo illustrated dust jacket, top edges stained blue
Very good condition in fair dust jacket
Estimate: $3,000

Abbott’s first book, “Changing New York” showcased six years of her photographs, both those taken independently and as part of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration. The text for this book was written by Abbott’s longtime partner, Elizabeth McCausland. This particular copy was inscribed from Abbott to Eliot Elisofon. Elisofon was a staff photographer forLife magazine, for which he traveled throughout Africa. Elisofon’s own works are in the collections of the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, Austin and the Elisofon Photographic Archives at the Smithson’s National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C.

Berenice Abbott (American, 1898-1991)

American photographer Berenice Abbott began her education at Ohio State University before moving to New York to study sculpture. There, she met the modernist visionaries Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray. Afterwards, Abbott went on to become May Ray’s assistant in his Paris studio. As Ray’s assistant, Abbott was able to absorb the work of many other influential photographers, including Eugène Atget. During her time in Paris, Abbott also took the opportunity to photograph many artists and literary figures, including James Joyce. However, it was after returning to New York that Abbott began what is perhaps her best-known project. Back in the United States, Abbott started her series of iconic photographs of New York City, which would comprise her landmark 1937 exhibition, “Changing New York.” It was during this period of her life when Abbott established the Photo League with fellow photographer, Paul Strand. Abbott’s photographs are in many major collections, including: The Modern Museum of Art, New York; The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles; The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Condition

Light bumping to the boards with scuffing to the front board. Foxing to the endpapers and through the title page. Scattered chips, toning, and tears to the dust jacket. Internally photographic illustrations are very clean in very good condition.

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Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) – American photographer
Elizabeth McCausland (1899-1965) – American art critic and author
“Changing New York.” New York: E.P. Dutton & Company, Inc., 1939. First edition, first printing in conjunction with the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration.
Inscribed by Berenice Abbott to fellow photographer Eliot Elisofon (1911-1973) on front free flypage in blue ink, ‘Berenice Abbot Salut to Eliot’
Roth, pp. 100-101; Parr & Badger I, p. 141; Hasselblad pp.130-131; Auer, p. 276
Quatro (286 x 225 mm); in publisher’s dark blue cloth covered boards with gilt lettering and emblem of the Federal Art Project of the Works Progress Administration, in photo illustrated dust jacket, top edges stained blue
Very good condition in fair dust