BAYLEY, Roberta. Punk: The Book.

(Amsterdam / New York): Aenigma Books and Prints, and Kunst Editions, 2002.  First edition.  45cm by 30cm. Unpaginated.  Superb publication comprising of 24 black and white photographs by Roberta Bayley, each image measuring approx. 25 x 20 cm. The images are hinged on large sheets of thin card which also feature a facsimile of her handwriting, telling the colourful story behind each photograph.  Nearly all pictures were taken between 1976 and 1979, in and around the legendary New York CBGB’s.  Bayley briefly worked for Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood in their store Let It Rock in London before moving to New York in thespring of 1974. In July of 1974 Bayley met musician and poet Richard Hell, and months later began working the door at CBGBs at the request of Terry Ork, the manager of Hell’s band Television. After splitting with Hell in early 1975, CBGB owner Hilly Kristal asked if she could continue working the door, which she did until 1978 when she went to work for Blondie in the office of Peter Leeds, the manager of the band at the time.  The images include Sid Vicious, Johnny Rotten, Debbie Harry, The Damned, The Dictators, Iggy Pop, The Ramones, The Heartbreakers, and others.  Each photograph is intialled by Bayley.  The volume includes introductions introductions by Debbie Harry (who wrote an essay by hand, faxed it from a hotel while she was travelling, and it is reproduced here via letterpress. She also provided a moving song text for the book) Richard Hell , John Holmstrom (illustrator and founding editor of Punk Magazine) and Legs McNeil.  Each introduction is signed by the artist.  The volume additionally includes a signed portrait of Roberta Bayley by GODLIS, a silkscreeened print recreating the cover of Punk Magazine nr. 3, April 1976 (Joey Ramone by John Holmstrom, numbered and signed) plus a copy of the 25th anniversary issue of Punk magazine (winter 2001).  All items are presented in a handmade wooden and cardboard slipcase, the front and back have been covered with original pages from Punk Magazine # 6, 1976, the Legend of Nick Detroit, hand titled in gold by Roberta Bayley. Published in a limited edition of just 76 copies (each unique) of which just 60 were offered for sale.  This is copy number 48 signed by Roberta Bayley. A near fine copy.  Very scarce and highly sought after.