The Americans

New York: Grove Press, 1969. Hardcover. Fine/Near Fine. Second American edition, revised and enlarged. Introduction by Jack Kerouac. Oblong octavo. A trifle rubbed, about fine copy in price-clipped near fine dust jacket with a small chip at the crown. The second printing, among other things, added film strip still images for the films that Frank had made since the initial publication of the first edition.

This copy Inscribed by Frank on the second half-title, utilizing the printed title, to notable photographers: "For Danny Lyons[sic] and for Richard R. Sweeney without whom this book would still be without owner A triple hurrah for American know how A salute to the general population of Texas Fond memories of Chicken Shack & Sea Fare to the Sunsets over Diagnostics remember 4th of July in TOMPKINS SQUARE to all Wardens of all Penal Colonies let them out of the shitter for Billy G. McCune and all [The Americans] guilty & innocent. Your boss Robert between 8th Street & Huntsville 1969."

A truly fascinating inscription. Lyon and Frank were close friends. When Lyon moved from Texas to New York City he was a guest in Frank's apartment for six months. In 1969 they bought an expensive motion picture camera together. On the day of the moon landing they were shooting a film in Tompkins Park where Lyon bought the stolen Mastercharge of Richard R. Sweeney from a street urchin for $2 (negotiated down from $5), using it to buy film for both of them. Sid Rapport, the man who reprinted this issue of *The Americans,* designed and printed stationary for Frank and Lyon's concern: "Sweeney Films: Robert Frank and Danny Lyon. If It Moves We Film It." Soon after, they traveled to Texas together, where Lyon used their jointly owned camera to film Texas prisons and prisoners.

A superior association copy of a desirable title.