Broken Manual

Göttingen: Steidl, 2010. A fine copy, the book safe characteristically a bit worn (a strategically anonymous hiding place). Folio (13 x 10 inches) book safe, containing 4to volume (11 x 8.5 inches). Color and black-and-white photographs, some folding. Linen-backed printed wrappers; housed in a book-safe (Martin Gottfried, 'In Person: The Great Entertainers', New York: Harry Abrams, [1987]). SIGNED LIMITED FIRST EDITION, one of 300 copies housed in a unique book-safe, signed by Soth and his alter ego Lester B. Morrison, and with a signed and numbered Soth photograph and booklet, 'Liberation Billford Manifest'. This copy numbered 142 of 300. Each of the book-safes are unique, and were cut by hand.

According to Soth's Little Brown Mushroom website: "Created over four years (2006-2010), Alec Soth's newest book represents a significant departure from his previous publications. Entitled 'Broken Manual,' Soth investigates the places in which people retreat to escape civilization. Soth photographs monks, survivalists, hermits and runaways, but this isn't a conventional documentary book on life "off the grid." Instead, working with the writer Lester B. Morrison, the authors have created an underground instruction manual for those looking to escape their lives.

"It is common for artists to follow up the publication of their books with 'Special Editions,' but in the case of Broken Manual, this edition is being presented first. Made in an edition of 300, Soth calls this the 'Ideal Edition' of Broken Manual. Each copy of the book is housed inside of another, one-of-a-kind book. These signed and numbered 'shell' books are unique and cut by hand. Inside the shell, there is also a small booklet entitled 'Liberation Billfold Manifest' and an 8×10" print signed and numbered by Alec Soth and Lester B. Morrison."

"An early example of the photobook as a layered, nuanced experience" (Parr and Badger III: 228).