Our Kind of People. American Groups and Rituals
San Francisco: Straight Arrow Books, 1975. 1st Edition. Quarto, publisher's stiff illustrated paper wraps.
Signed first edition of Bill Owens’s portraits of recreation groups that he initially met as a full-time staff photographer at a local California newspaper. After he took the needed photos for his paper assignment, Owens would stay at the meetings or group activities and shoot for this project: “I had enjoyed the experience, but I could never sit through all those meetings again.” Social groups photographed include the Avon Bottle Club, Rainbow Girls (an organization that helps girls become women through communion with God), World War I Barracks 876, Toastmakers (a group that teaches the art of public speaking), and many more. The black-and-white portraits are accompanied by Owens’ captions, some with commentary from the subjects. issued the same year as the first. Signed by Owens and dated 1981 to half-title. Simultaneously published in hardcover. Light foxing to preliminary leaves, light soiling and edgewear to wraps. Very good. Item #13299
$125.00