Paul Rand: His Work from 1946 to 1958 [Yusaku Kamekura]

Paul Rand: His Work from 1946 to 1958 edited by Yusaku Kamekura, 1959. 1st American ed., Zokeisha, Tokyo and Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 10.25 x 9.75, pp. 132 with English and Japanese text. Beautifully made and printed in Japan by Zokeisha Publications. From the library of ”EDWARD J. ELKNER ASSOCS.” with his stamp on the front pastedown.

This book is a careful record of Rand’s work from the past ten years of publication. Heavily illustrated throughout with over (150) plates including (31) in color. With Introductory notes on Paul Rand by: Yusaku Kamekura, Bernard Rudofsky, Giovanni Pintori and Hans Schleger. Featuring work sections devoted to: Posters and Billboards; Newspaper Advertisements; Magazine Advertisements; Packaging and Product Design; Direct Mail; Jacket Designs, Covers and Illustrations; One Day with Paul Rand by Yusaku Kamekura (Japanese Text); Paintings and Biographical Notes.

Re: the dust jacket design: “The visual pun, in which a double meaning is projected graphically, may assume many different forms,” said Rand. Furthermore “The dots in this illustration read as eyes or buttons or flowers or bees or olives or snakes or fish, etc.” (Rand, 1985, pp. 120)

Rand’s relationship with the Japanese, specifically Kamekura dates back to c. 1954. “Like many westerners, my admiration for Japanese art and architecture has led me to study the subject with enthusiasm. In my own case Japanese painting, design and marks have perhaps had more influence on my work than any other single art form.” (Trademarks of the World, 1956).

A nearly fine dark green hardcover cloth with light wear to the Front Free Endpaper. In a very good un-clipped ($13.50) dust jacket with a few small tears (one has been repaired) to the front bottom edge and light wear along the margins and tips ... still in it’s original, torn glassine wrapper. The publisher’s cardboard slipcase has two large tears (front and back), foxing and a bottom that has been damaged and torn and has come undone from the staples. Interior pages still fresh and bright!