Understanding Picasso: a Study of His Styles and Development

Chicago, IL: Univ. of Chicago Press, 1940. First Edition. Original Wraps. Very Good in Wraps. First Edition. Original Wraps. Sponsored by the Art Institute of Chicago. Includes 19 plates and two text pages (Introductory Notes and Conclusion). This is a well known item in a very unusual form. It was also issued as a loose, unbound portfolio, which is relatively easy to find. This issue, which appears to be 'as issued by the press', has elements that would increase the production cost *and* be more fragile. The mounted cutout on the front wrapper adds signficantly to the production process and the plastic comb spine and acetate wrapper are fragile and prone to failure. The inner printed front wrap appears to be the same as what was printed on the outside of the portfolio. In a very cursory search, we find one such copy in an institutional collection and none available elsewhere. Very scarce/unusual in this form. Light shelf, edge wear, light marking/soiling to acetate wrappers, front wrapper partially sunned, plastic spine slightly toned, else tight, bright, and unmarred. Orange paper wrappers; outer wrapper has figure printed in white ink and a black figure with white linework onlay (cut to form), inner wrapper printed with black ink lettering, yellow ink lettering and decorative elements. fo. np. Illus. (b/w plates).