rhythmus r.

Berlin.: Rainer Verlag., 1968. Publisher's wrappers. Uneven yellowing to covers and first spread due to old newspaper insert.. (24 x 15.4 cm).. pp. (28). Second edition. ”rhythmus r"", is a key work of Gerhard Rühm, a program of linguistic concretism implemented consistently through all the senses. This printed version uses the mechanical flexibility of the typewriter and communicates the associative content of the written word by the spatial arrangement of words beginning with the letter 'R'. When read, the eye wanders up and down the pages, columns of R-words are printed close to page edges, the leitmotif of ""regen rauscht"" or 'rain rushing' cascading to the page sides. The acoustic recorded version is loud - Rühm producing torrents of rain, paper tears, with listeners following the 'R' verb series ""rauscht reibt rast"" (Roar, rub, rest). With the artist book, Rühm has also attempted to produce a similar acoustic sensation with one of the pages being a sheet of abrasive pink sandpaper. The printing on the verso of the sandpaper sheet reportedly resulted in numerous production problems, which means that the book remains a Rühm rarity. The book is dedicated in print to Oswald Weiner on the front cover.