FRANK (Robert). The Americans. Texts collected... - Lot 457 - Les ventes Damien Voglaire SRL

FRANK (Robert). The Americans. Texts collected and presented by Alain Bosquet. Photographs by Robert Frank. P., Robert Delpire, "Encyclopédie essentielle", 1958, 8° square, 172 p., publisher's hardback illustrated by Steinberg, ownership mark on title. First edition. In the mid-1950s, Robert Frank decided to travel the United States with his family, armed with his camera. His itinerary is left to the chance of the roads and paths, so he crosses 30 states and photographs those who will cross his path. In 13 months, he will have taken almost 27000 pictures, far from the image of the American dream, he immortalizes a much more brutal reality. On his return, he offered this reportage, unlike any other, to the press. In particular to "Life", which refused to publish it. Robert Delpire decides to publish the historical work in 1958, two years after the return of Robert Frank's journey. The book was released to total indifference, and was even considered sad, perverse, even subversive... In 1959, it was published in English by Grove Press, but the edition met with deep hostility and was criticized for being anti-American. In 1961, his much-discussed series was exhibited for the first time at the Art Institute of Chicago. The 1960's will contribute to the evolution of mentalities and the work will progressively become a classic of photography.