Race Track: A Photographic Impression.
New York: Self-published, 1959. First Edition. Spiral-bound oblong quarto. Handmade book by photographer Frank Espada documenting opening day at the rebuilt Aqueduct racetrack in 1959. One of two known copies; the other was given to the track and is likely lost. SIGNED and dated by Espada with his cover design and layout. Illustrated with 21 vintage silver gelatin photographs of the daily vagaries of the track: from the post parade, to punters huddled over Racing Forms, to a rails-eye shot of the finish line. Espada did not have access to a dark room; these photographs were printed by his friend Dave Heath, and have Heath's trademark brooding tonality. In fact, many of the images - especially those of people - bear an eerie similarity to Heath's Dialogue With Solitude. Without pulling punches, this remarkable book is the best document I have ever seen of the race track: combining the beauty, poetry, and pathos of the experience in one slim volume. If Charles Bukowski were alive, I have no doubt he would buy this book (or get someone to buy it for him)! A little light wear; near fine in heavy spiral-bound wrappers.
Item #16305
Price: $17,500.00