Category Archives: Vintage Books

The Poster – Its History And Its Art

The poster plays a very significant role as the simplest and most direct form of graphic communication. Former President of the Society of Illustrators, Ervine Metzl, takes a look at the different influences posters and poster artists have been subject: politics, business, economics, art trends, and plenty more. The Poster uses 166 illustrations with 26 in color to prove the poster as the most compelling forces of promoting ideas, products, and services. $110, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131, or email reserve@reservela.net.
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Asses

The idea for this book developed from a conversation about the new sexual attitude emerging in America at the time (1977). Not to be smutty, pornographic, or like that of a centerfold, the end result came mostly from students with no guidance at all. Allowing each photo to show the photographers own concept, this 90 page book explores arts based in sexuality. $75, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131, or email reserve@reservela.net.
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William Klein Photographs

William Klein rejected the prevailing myths of objectivity and nonintervention, eventually changing the relationship between the photographer and his subject. He used faster film, a wide angle lens, and unconventional framing which liberated the 35mm camera and redefined the snapshot. This book contains 192 black and white images including some of Klein’s early work, his paintings, unpublished photos, and much more. $110, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131, or email reserve@reservela.net.
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Packaging Graphis 1959

Packaging Graphis is an international survey of package design compiled by Walter Herdeg with 322 pages of package design from the 1960’s. With extensive literature already in existence dealing with the technical aspects of packaging, Herdeg wanted to create something where the chief concern was the exterior of the package. In a time of transition to self service stores package design often determined the products success. $75, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131, or email reserve@reservela.net.
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Claus Wickrath’s Flowerskin

Claus Wickrath first gained notoriety with publications such as Petra or Stern and was eventually published in Femme, French Vogue, and Elle. Over the years he has continually captured the human form in new and interesting ways for almost every major brand such as Versace, Boss, YSL, Ralph Lauren, and Cartier to name just a few. Clause’s first book, “Flowerskin,” uses full page color and black and white photos to show the connection between nature and human being without accessories, special backgrounds, or tricky light effects. $65, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131, or email ...
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Swastika At War

Covering the many facets of Nazi Germany during World War II, Signal Magazine offered a unique view into the war time experiences of soldiers at battle. Using propaganda to promote Germany as the natural master of Europe, Signal magazine provided a historical account of war time rhetoric used to sway public opinion. Presenting the pictures that made up the magazine, Swastika at War commemorates Signal magazine, capturing a pivotal moment in European history. $54, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131.
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Modern Publicity

Presenting a collection of artifacts from the mid 50’s, Modern Publicity offers a glimpse into the world of advertising and brand expression. Showcasing press ads for well known companies such as Coca-Cola and Philips, Modern Publicity documents the evolution of some of the world’s most recognizable brands. $75, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131.
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Robert Mapplethorpe

Known for his steamy and luxurious photographs of nudes, Mapplethorpe has observed of his own work that it “is about seeing–seeing things like they haven’t been seen before”. 45 color and 85 duotone illustrations. A copy of this rare vintage book from 1990 is now available at Reserve. $80, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131.
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Animal

In Animal, photographer Bettina Rheims reveals a selection of compelling portraits of animals. The black and white stills, painting an iconic picture of life in its infinite forms. $90, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131.
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Emergence

Celebrating women in their natural form, Emergence features womanhood as it is, as opposed to how it should be. Originally released in 1977, Cynthia Macadams captures the feeling of the times, relating an honest portrayal of woman as they are. $90, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131.
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Grand Illusions

Featuring some of Hollywood’s most iconic photographs, Hollywood: The Golden Years celebrates the magical years that made Hollywood what it is. Capturing stills from some of the best scenes from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, Hollywood: The Golden Years offers readers a glimpse into films humble beginnings. $65, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131.
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Jurmala

Renowned for its scenery and landscape, the town of Júrmala has been celebrated for its unique history and development. Offering a collection of simple yet poignant imagery, the author brings the town of Júrmala to life for all to enjoy. $60, phone orders available. Call the shop at (323) 651-0131.
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