299

Alec Soth

1969-

Sleeping by the Misssissippi [sic]. 2002.

The extremely scarce first printing of this book, preceding all other editions, with 43 laser printed photographs. 4to, spiral-bound with the clear plastic cover and black rear cover. TRUE FIRST PRINTING, WITH SOTH'S SIGNATURE IN INK.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Self-published.

  • Provenance:
    A gift from the Photographer; to the Present Owner in 2002. Soth made only 25 or 30 copies in this format, making it exceedingly rare.

    Soth distributed these self-made books to curators, galleries, and others. It earned him the Santa Fe Center Award in 2003, and led to the book's eventual mainstream publication. This edition precedes all other editions: Soth later corrected the spelling mistake in the title ("Misssissipi") and published a new hardcover version in two issues totaling approximately 55 copies. In making his own books Soth returns back to the origins of the photobook when photographers made and distributed their own books. Soth has remarked: "I see them as the ultimate vehicle for showing my work because you can reproduce photos incredibly well in book form, and for me photography isn't about individual images but about the interplay among images -- and that's what you get in a book." -- Minneapolis - St. Paul Star Tribune, December 14, 2007
  • Condition: For condition reports, email Deborah Rogal at [email protected]

    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

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April 30, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
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