Andy Warhol's First Published Book

(New York: Privately Printed, 1953). First edition (one of only approximately 100 copies). Comprising the complete set of 25 off-set lithographs, printed on pale blue wove paper, loose as issued. Scattered light wear and some chipping along edges; edges lightly and unevenly toned; scattered spotting on versos. Each sheet measuring 11 x 8 1/2 in. (279 x 216 mm). Without wrapper. Feldman & Schellman IV. 27-50

Andy Warhol's first published book, one of only approximately 100 copies printed. The first work Warhol created in collaboration with a writer, it is one of two self-published books created by him and poet Ralph Thomas Ward (Corkie), an early New York friend and unrequited lover. The work depicts 12 famous historical and literary lovers, with accompanying couplets written by Ward. Printed on blue paper, signifying the sadness or tragedy of each couple, they include Frederic Chopin and George Sand, Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine, Desdemona and Othello, Oscar Wilde and a young man, and others.

Lot includes a 2017 reprint, published by the Andy Warhol Foundation.