NEWMAN, BARNETT & THOMAS B. HESS. Barnett Newman by Thomas B. Hess. New York: The Museum of Modern Art, 1971. First Edition, First Printing. Signed and inscribed by the artist Barnett Newman’s widow on the front free endpaper to art researcher Helmut Ripperger. Inscribed: “January 1972, For Mr. Helmut Ripperger, With my very best regards, Annalee Newman”. Issued largely paperbound, this copy is one of the few copies issued hardbound. Oversize, 158 pages. A bright slightly handled near fine copy in a very good price-clipped dust jacket with some small chips and tears and a hint of dust soiling to the rear panel. Illustrated throughout with black & white and color illustrations of Newman’s work and his private life, including two black & white photos of Barnett and Annalee. Barnett Newman (1905 - 1970) was one of the major figures in abstract expressionism, known primarily for his color field paintings. He met his wife, art teacher Annalee Greenhouse, in 1934 and they married in 1936. Helmut Ripperger worked as head research librarian for the New York City art dealers M. Knoedler & Co., Inc. from 1952 to his retirement in 1974.