Black Book. Robert Mapplethorpe. Foreword by Ntozake Shange. Hardcover with dust jacket. St. Martin's Press. Second printing 1986. 112 pages. 11.5" x 11.5".
Excellent condition. The binding is square and tight. The pages are clean, no markings, no creasing or tears. .The boards are clean, no wear. The dust jacket is clean with minimal wear.
Free domestic shipping USPS Media Mail.
In Black Book, Robert Mapplethorpe presents an astonishing photographic study of black men today. In their diversity, impact, subtlety, technical virtuosity, erotic appeal, and deep humanity, these photographs constitute a stunning celebration of the contemporary black male.
"all my life they've been near me/these men" says Ntozake Shange in her Foreword, "i've been holdin your heart in/my hand since i was a child/cause i wanted what all you were/what all you are/now you're a man."
This book is a must have for anyone who is looking for more then a simply book of nude Black Men. Mapplethorpe gives life to the Lifeless and Invisible Black Man in America. His photos my be shocking and many people find his work very inappropriate. But the images demand attention. Even if you try, you can't look away. Some of the photos are truly beautiful; Great use of light and shadowing. Other are gritty, grainy Political masterpieces.