The biggest, most lavish book production of the 20th century is back! "Sumo" was a titanic book in every respect: a 480-page tribute to the 20th century's most influential, intriguing and controversial photographer, it broke records for weight, dimensions, and resale price. Helmut Newton (1920-2004) always demonstrated a healthy disdain for easy or predictable solutions. "Sumo" - a bold and unprecedented publishing venture - was an irresistible project. The idea of a spectacular compendium of images, a book with the dimensions of a private exhibition, reproduced to exceptional page size and to state-of-the-art origination and printing standards, emerged from an open, exploratory dialogue between photographer and publisher. With the physically commanding "Sumo" weighing in - boxed and shrink-wrapped - at 35.4 kilos, Newton created a landmark book that stood head and shoulders above anything previously attempted, either in terms of conceptual extravagance or technical specifications. Published in an edition of 10,000 signed and numbered copies, "Sumo" sold out soon after publication and quickly multiplied its value. This worldwide publishing sensation now features in numerous important collections around the world, including New York's Museum of Modern Art. Legendary "Sumo" copy number one, autographed by over 100 of the book's featured celebrities, also broke the record for the most expensive book published in the 20th century, selling at auction in Berlin on April 6, 2000 for 620,000 German Marks - approximately $430,000. "Sumo" established new standards for the art monograph genre, and secured a prominent place in photo-book history. This new edition is the fulfillment of an ambition conceived some years ago by Helmut Newton. He would surely be pleased that, a decade on from its first publication, "Sumo" - now in a format that allows for a more democratic distribution - will reach the widest possible audience. However, proud owners of the new edition won't wrestle with their copy of "Sumo".
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Bringing an entirely new slant to the concept of the coffee-table book, SUMO is a suitably enormous homage to 79-year-old Helmut Newton, the master of subversive and erotic photography. "I wanted to build a monument to the most important photographer of the 20th century", commented Benedikt Taschen, the publisher behind SUMO--and that has certainly been achieved. Weighing 30 kg and measuring 50 x 70cm, and breaking any previous record in book publishing, SUMO contains 480 pages covering every aspect of Newton's outstanding career in photography. Each copy of SUMO is bound by hand and numbered and signed by the artist. In order to show this colossus off, designer Philippe Starck has created a unique device for displaying the book at home. This incredible volume contains the body of Newton's controversial yet iconographic work, documenting fashion, fetishism and, above all, an overriding obsession with voyeurism that can make the viewer feel complicit or uneasy by turns. Newton himself describes SUMO as "terrifying and outrageous. I don't even look at it as a book ... I look at it as an object." --Catherine Taylor
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Helmut Newton (1920-2004) was one of the most influential photographers of all time. Born in Berlin, he arrived in Australia in 1940 and married June Brunell (a.k.a. Alice Springs) eight years later. He first achieved international fame in the 1970's while working principally for French Vogue, and his celebrity and influence grew over the decades. Newton preferred to shoot in streets or interiors, rather than studios. Controversial scenarios, bold lighting, and striking compositions came to form his signature look. In 1990 he was awarded the Grand Prix National for photography; in 1992 the German government awarded him Das Grosse Verdienstkreuz for services to German culture, and he was appointed Officer des Arts, Lettres et Sciences by S.A.S. Princess Caroline of Monaco. In 1996, he was appointed Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by Philippe Douste-Blazy, the French Minister of Culture at the time. Working and living in close companionship with his wife until his death at 83, his images remain as distinctive, seductive and orginal as ever.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Eagerly awaited and not disappointed. I have read other reviews criticising the Taschen production quality, and there were a few blemishes, but that does not detract from the enjoyment of the content, which is varied and thought provoking. Its imposing size on the coffee table is a great conversation starter and all my guests who have dared venture past the cover have loved it, despite their occasional reservations and modesty. The nudes (the vast majority of whom are female) are beautiful and tasteful, and universally appealing. Actually very good value as it will be a source of enjoyment for years to come.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A big book - not as big as the "orginal" but then much less costy. Nice perspex stand (you need it!).
Lost a star for me in some of the photgraphic print quality of some of the pictures.
Inspiring for the up and coming photographer.
Lost a star for me in some of the photgraphic print quality of some of the pictures.
Inspiring for the up and coming photographer.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Martin
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
At last a version of this marvellous book which doesn't require a huge bookshelf and a large bank balance .And you get a mini version of the original display stand to boot!!What more do you need.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Great book, bad printing
The book and Newtons work is fantastic, in fact I would say this is the defacto book on Newton. However the copy I received had a kink in the same place on EVERY page.
Published 2 months ago by eddiechilli
4.0 out of 5 stars
nice book
Great print quality. The only thing I can say is that it is quite a huge book so difficult to handle (not even want to think how to handle the first edition) but, apart from this,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Radu Malu
5.0 out of 5 stars
this is an important book
If you are buying this book you will know Helmut Newton's work.
Iconic photographer and photographic artist who is often emulated. Read more
Iconic photographer and photographic artist who is often emulated. Read more
Published 13 months ago by dominic cox
5.0 out of 5 stars
superb value and a classic snap-shot in time
Wonderful book. Yes there are some better-that-super quality issues on a handful of photos but overall the quality is superb. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Johan RF
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have
This book is no let down. It is prodominantly B&W with occasional colour shots throughout the book. Read more
Published 19 months ago by bleepthewhat
4.0 out of 5 stars
just great!
This man really knew how to portray women. And all credit to June for making this masterpiece available to the 'common people'
Published 20 months ago by leob
1.0 out of 5 stars
Sumo: not a happy experience
The packaging was hopeless and the book arrived saturated with water and Amazon now expect me to pay $AUS204 in shipping to return the damaged items. Not a happy experience. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Dr Russell Searle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Stunning!
This book is a stunning collection of (mainly) black and white, (mainly) female nudes in the unmistakable style of the great man. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Queenofthenight
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a beautiful book
If black and white photography is your thing then this book is for you. The images are stunning and the reproduction is extremely high quality. Read more
Published on 28 Dec 2010 by David
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helmut, his best
Amazing photographer, amazing photos. Many have yet to be explored as this book is so big. Print quality is very good. Read more
Published on 22 Sep 2010 by AJMB
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