Books

One of four original maquettes for the first edition of Haskins's groundbreaking debut, comprising 84 silver gelatin prints, 28 of which are unpublished, from the photographer's estate. Preceding the revered Cowboy Kate by two years, Five Girls was his first foray into nude photography and photobook production, introducing the world to his fresh, liberated, playful, and influential style of shooting the female form and innovative way of capturing the "girl next door". Haskins's work came to epitomize the feel of the "swinging 60s", while still retaining a timeless quality. This maquette gathers superb silver prints that were produced, printed, retouched, and laid out by Haskins personally to present to publishers. It includes numerous shots that were not included in the first edition, as well as uncropped versions of some that were included, giving a rare glimpse into the photographer's creative process. The silver prints are particularly beautiful when viewed side-by-side with the rich gravure of the published version. His photobooks were all labours of love, produced in his spare time while running a busy commercial advertising and illustration studio in downtown Johannesburg. He was soon rewarded with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Prix Nadar in 1964. The publication of November Girl in 1967 marked the completion of his trilogy of black-and-white figure books. Quarto. Original white cloth, spine and front cover lettered in black. Housed in a custom card slipcase with an original print pasted onto each side. Together with a copy of the first American edition of Five Girls in original red boards, with dust jacket, in very good condition. With 84 silver gelatin prints mounted on cardstock, varying sizes, some double-page and full-page. Endpapers with small adhesive tape stains, related faint offsetting to outer leaves, prints to sides of slipcase rubbed; very good, with bright images throughout.

Five Girls is a photography book by Sam Haskins, first published in 1962, renowned for its innovative and artistic depiction of five female models, showcasing Haskins' skill and creativity in black-and-white photography.