First and limited edition, #55 of 200 copies signed to the half title page by artist Jasper Johns, composer John Cage, and dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham.  With text by Susan Sontag, Richard Francis, Mark Rosenthal, Anne Seymour, David Sylvester, and David Vaughn.  Original full dark grey linen, stamped in blind and in gilt; all edges trimmed; in original dark grey linen slip case. Slip case very slightly frayed, otherwise in very fine condition. 

This extraordinary volume offers a revealing study of the extraordinary collaborative relationship between John Cage, Merce Cunningham, and Jasper Johns, whose influence on one another's work and thought was both subtle and profound. The book's many reproductions of John's paintings and drawings, a calligraphic manuscript by Cage, and photographs of Cunningham and his dancers in rehearsal and performance are augmented by commentary from Susan Sontag and essays by David Sylvester (on Cage), David Vaughan (on Cunningham), and Mark Rosenthal (on Johns). Together, words and images give us new insight into the interaction of three artistic disciplines, the sharing of common themes and preoccupations, and the contribution each individual's art makes to a larger whole.

The source of CAGE CUNNINGHAM JOHNS is the 1989 exhibition presented by the Anthony d'Offay Gallery of London. Writing about the exhibition in The New York Times, John Russell called this book 'a contribution of lasting value' to our understanding of a rare friendship and three towering artistic achievements. With 15 full-color reproductions of John's paintings and drawings (including two foldouts), 19 two-color reproductions of pages from a Cage manuscript, and 30 duotone photographs, it will delight and enlighten every lover of contemporary music, dance, and art."