In the American West, Richard Avedon. Henry Abrams, New York, 1985. First Edition. Signed by Avedon.

Condition: Very good; some minor surface wear.

Recently reprinted in 2005, this 1985 first edition is from the original exhibition at the Amon Carter Museum in Texas.

In the American Westwas Avedon’s attempt to capture the spirit of the people who lived there and gave it its character. For five years the photographer traveled throughout the Western United States meeting and photographing drifters, gamblers, ranchers, and bar girls.In the American Westis Avedon’s unvarnished look at the remarkable people he met. Their unflinching gaze into the camera is at once, disconcerting and bracing. Their dignity and confidence, despite their place in life, is palpable.

But not everyone agreed with Avedon’s choice of subject. When the exhibition opened it was instantly controversial. “Avedon Takes a Dark View of the West,” proclaimed a New York Times headline. While one local reporter stated simply, “This is not our West.” The book is signed by Avedon and includes an essay by him on his process and philosophy for photographing the people he did.