VERY RARE 1st Edition ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE “The Black Book” (1986) (HC/DJ)

This first edition of Robert Mapplethorpe’s “Black Book,” (St. Martin’s Press 1986) is an exceedingly rare collection of 96 stark, provocative photos taken by one of America’s most influential and notorious photographers.

These include some of Mapplethorpe’s most iconic work, like “Man in Polyester Suit”—a photograph so important to artistic freedom in the U.S. that it made its way to the floor of the Senate after provoking conservative criticism.

Book is in great preloved condition.

Flyleaves/endpapers have mist-like staining, likely coffee, and some waving from water damage. This waving is found in other areas, but section consisting of foreword through the last photo have least amount, or no, waving (most significant waving in early and final pages).


Book is structurally excellent, spine isn’t weak/rigid. Dust-jacket is in spectacular condition—very minor waving (near edges) visible under light, but it is completely intact, beautifully characterizing the book’s inner artistry.