Looking Forward to Being Attacked
Memphis: Memphis Police Department, 1977. 1st Edition. Quarto, publisher's stiff photo-illustrated paper wraps.
Memphis police lieutenant Jim Bullard’s guide to self-defense for women, the copy of photographer Marcia Resnick. Emerging from presentations Bullard began giving in the early 1960s to teach women self-defense techniques, this provocatively titled manual features Bullard’s humorous yet legit approach to being attacked, his message being to find gratification in the opportunity to express anger and aggression. Featuring staged photos of Bullard with women in scenarios in which he ultimately takes a beating, the guide includes tips on weakest points, applying pressure on joints, and striking against vulnerable areas, with chapters on peeping toms, exhibitionists, and obscene telephone calls. The book gained renewed attention in 2018 when artist Carmen Winant used it as inspiration for a sculpture and conceptual art piece of the same name, in which she recontextualized the book’s photos within a feminist framework. This copy bears a gift inscription in pencil to the title page: "For Marcia with every beat of my poor, poor heart. / Robby" (giver unknown). Born in Brooklyn, Resnick is best known for chronicling the downtown scene of the 1970s and 80s in real time, taking portraits of musicians, artists, filmmakers, and writers such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, John Belushi, Iggy Pop, Andy Warhol, and Susan Sontag, and for her regular feature in the SoHo Weekly News, "Resnick’s Believe-It-or-Not." Chipping to tail of spine, and moderate soiling, staining, and edgewear to wraps. About very good, with excellent provenance. Item #12812
$150.00