DIE PUPPE. 1962. WITH THE PROOF OF AGE CERTIFICATE EXTANT

Berlin: Gerhardt Verlag, 1962

21 x 16.8cm, 190pp plus original card wrappers plus printed dustjacket (with a tipped on ‘puppe’ vignette) and original transparent pvc cover.

The last of the published versions of Bellmer’s classic surrealist book which displays the erotic possibilities of his modified dolls – this version was comprised of the contents of Die Puppe; Die Spiele der Puppe and Die Anatomie des Bildes. Illustrated throughout with b/w line drawings this additionally has ten b/w tipped in reproductions of photographs and sixteen in colours – all after the original publications – of Bellmer’s flexible doll-scullture in various poses and situations (some with an air of menace, others sexuality and others still seemingly innocent).

One of 2,000 numbered copies, this is still a desirable and much sought after publication. This is a near fine copy. Very scarce.

LAID IN:

21 x 16cm, 1pp b/w statement for the purchaser to sign and date and have stamped by the bookseller to prove that the book was sold to someone over the age of 21 to avoid prosecution for obscenity. This is usually missing from the books as the certificate was to be retained by the bookseller.