Emmet Gowin

(Richmond, Virginia: self-published, 1965, an edition of 100 copies), a book illustrated with 14 photographs, each mounted, with text selected from the volume America and Alfred Stieglitz: A Collective Portrait.  4to, pictorial wrappers with printed drawings, personally inscribed by Gowin in pencil on the front wrapper (Book of 101 Books, pp. 172-3)

Gift of the photographer, May 1965, to the present owner, at that time an art instructor at Richmond Professional Institute

The dedication, in pencil along the spine on the cover, reads 'For Judy and Jim Bumgardner, May 1965, Emmet Gowin.' The prints in this volume, on paper with a semi-glossy surface, are all in generally excellent condition. When examined in raking light, silvering is visible on several prints, and there are 2 small mounting creases on 'Chincoteague Island, Virginia'. The cover is age-darkened and soiled. The edges are rubbed, and there are vertical abrasions on the front about 1 1/2 inches from the right edge. The spine is tight.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Emmet Gowin, a native of Danville, Virginia, was a student at Richmond Professional Institute in Richmond, Virginia, from 1961 to 1965.  RPI, as it was known, had one of the leading college art departments in the South at that time.  In 1968, RPI merged with the Medical College of Virginia, also in Richmond, to form Virginia Commonwealth University, or VCU. (In its entry for Gowin's volume, the Book of 101 Books erroneously refers to this as a 'Virginia community college,' which is far from the case).  VCU continues to have an international reputation in art and design, offering courses in the fine arts, painting and drawing, printmaking, ceramics, glass, multi-media, fiber arts, and interior design, among other subjects.