well read - Special and Limited Edition Books
Written by Oryx
These highly sought-after special and limited edition books are works of art in themselves. Rare copies, traditionally crafted, in handcrafted presentation boxes, or specially designed - they are the ultimate collector's item for the fanatic, or simply for those who want to own an unusual timeless classic.
MoonFire
By Norman Mailer
Limited to just 12 copies, numbered 1958–1969, the Lunar Rock Edition of Norman Mailer’s MoonFire is designed by Marc Newson. Inspired by the Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module, each book is contained in a case made from a single piece of aluminium – its surface an actual 3D topography of the Moon – and comes with a unique piece of lunar rock. Meteorites from the Moon are exceptionally rare. There are fewer than 70 lunar meteorites known with a total combined weight of approximately 55kg, making them millions of times rarer than gem grade diamonds. However, most lunar meteorites reside in museum collections and research institutions, leaving only 15kg or so available to individual collectors worldwide. Because acquiring an Apollo moon rock is virtually impossible, the only realistic way to own a piece of the moon is by acquiring a lunar meteorite.
TASCHEN, US $653, 000
Special Editions
Collage
By Sir Jackie Stewart
An incredible motor racing career is told through the archive of the Stewart family albums, filled with a wealth of unseen photographs, press cuttings, pit passes, and memorabilia. Only 1,500 signed and numbered books have been created, presented within a traditionally crafted, leather-bound volume, and housed in a slipcase finished with silk-laminated paper, gilt foiling, and a Royal Stewart tartan band.
GENESIS PUBLICATIONS, US $475
Treasure Island
By Robert Louis Stevenson
To celebrate Puffin’s 70th anniversary, six of today’s greatest design and style icons have re-imagined and illustrated a brand new anniversary edition of their favourite Puffin book. Alluringly stylish and highly collectable, each is a limited numbered edition of 1,000. This designer classic of all-time favourite children’s book Treasure Island was designed by the modern architectural icon and celebrity Frank Gehry.
PUFFIN, US $160
Barbie
By Yona Zeldis McDonough
On her 50th anniversary as a cultural icon, Assouline created the ultimate collector’s volume on the world’s most popular doll. Encapsulating her history, chronicling her fashion, and imagining her life as a woman of mystery, glamour, and fun, it’s Barbie as she’s never been seen before – at work and play and in portraits of vintage dolls and accessories. This special, hand-bound edition with hand-tipped images comes in a linen presentation box.
ASSOULINE, US $500
Chanel Special Edition
By François Baudot and Francoise Aveline
Produced exclusively for Assouline by Chanel, this luxe slipcase is made of genuine black quilted leather and adorned with a metal Chanel logo. One of the most visible personalities of her era, Gabrielle Chanel invented a style that was synonymous with modernity and chic. The slipcase includes three mémoires celebrating her revolutionary style: Chanel Fashion, Chanel Fine Jewelry, and Chanel Perfume.
ASSOULINE, US $550
Taxi Driver
Editor: Paul Duncan,
Photographer: Steve Schapiro
Steve Schapiro was the special photographer on the set of Taxi Driver, the movie that made Robert DeNiro a star. Ninety-five per cent of his photos have never been published – until now. Limited to 1,000 copies, numbered and signed by Steve Schapiro, the book also includes a foreword by Martin Scorsese. Also available in two Art Editions of 100 copies each, with a signed and numbered original photographic print.
TASCHEN, US $725
