The Quilt. Stories from The NAMES Project
New York: Pocket Books, 1988. 1st Edition. Large quarto, publisher’s navy cloth, spine and upper board blindstamped, photo-illustrated endpapers, original illustrated dust jacket.
First edition monograph on the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, signed by all three of the book's contributors. Conceived in 1985 by activist Cleve Jones in San Francisco, the project was a massive, community driven undertaking, with thousands of quilt panels created and contributed by friends, families, and communities across the US. As of today, it is widely accepted as the largest community folk art project in the world. This book presents stories behind the panels, highlighting personal narratives, social impact, and activism surrounding the epidemic with historical context, personal testimonials, and commentary on the quilt’s significance as both memorial and artform. Text by Cindy Ruskin, with photos by Matt Heron, and designed by Deborah Zemke, each of whom have signed the half-title (with an inscription, "All best" by Zemke). Illustrated with color and black-and-white photos and reproductions; with an index. First printing with complete number row to copyright page. Fine in unclipped dust jacket. Item #12035
$150.00