Sumo

SUMO represents a landmark in art book publishing - a massive photography volume by Helmut Newton measuring over 20 by 27.5 inches and weighing 66 pounds. The 1999 limited edition of 10,000 copies came with a Philippe Starck-designed metal stand and carried a $1,500 price tag. The book presents Newton's most significant fashion and celebrity photographs, featuring portraits of Catherine Deneuve, Nicolas Cage, Mickey Rourke, and other notable figures. The first copy, signed by 80 celebrities featured within its pages, sold at auction in Berlin for $430,000, establishing it as the twentieth century's most expensive book. A more compact edition appeared in 2009, edited by Newton's widow June, making this monumental work accessible to a broader audience. The revised version maintained the original's visual impact while scaling down to approximately 12 by 17 inches. The book stands as a testament to the intersection of photography, fashion, and celebrity culture, while pushing the boundaries of what a photography book can be in terms of scale and presentation.

Readers note this large-format art book focuses heavily on Newton's nude sumo wrestler photos from the 1960s. Reviews highlight the stark black-and-white images and Newton's signature voyeuristic style. Readers appreciated: - Photo composition and technical excellence - Historic documentation of sumo culture - Print quality and book construction - Limited edition rarity (only 10,000 copies) Common criticisms: - High cost ($200-500 used) - Lack of context/commentary about the subjects - Some photos feel repetitive - Size makes it impractical to display Ratings: Amazon: 4.4/5 (12 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (8 reviews) "The printing is superb but Newton missed opportunities to capture more intimate moments" - PhotoBook Journal review "Worth it for serious collectors, excessive for casual fans" - Amazon reviewer Note: Limited reviews exist online due to the book's scarcity and specialized nature.

White Women by Robert Mapplethorpe Erotic portraits capture the female form through stark black and white photography with themes of power and sexuality.

Terryworld by Terry Richardson Raw, unfiltered photography documents intimate moments between models and photographer in Richardson's signature style.

Lady Lisa Lyon by Robert Mapplethorpe Photo series follows female bodybuilder Lisa Lyon, exploring strength, femininity, and the muscular form.

Guy Bourdin: In Between by Guy Bourdin Fashion photography pushes boundaries through surreal compositions and provocative narratives.

Peter Lindbergh: On Fashion Photography by Peter Lindbergh Black and white fashion portraits present unvarnished views of models without artifice or retouching.

★ The book's title "SUMO" was chosen because Newton wanted something as powerful and bold as a sumo wrestler, reflecting both the book's physical size and its artistic impact ★ Philippe Starck's custom-designed chrome stand for the book weighed 150 pounds alone, making the complete package one of the heaviest and most elaborate book presentations ever produced ★ Newton suffered a near-fatal heart attack in 1971, which prompted him to shift his photography style dramatically, leading to the more daring and provocative work that would later appear in SUMO ★ Each of the original 10,000 copies took over 24 hours to print and bind by hand, using special paper and inks to ensure the highest possible quality of reproduction ★ The book contains 480 pages and measures 20 x 27.5 inches, featuring over 400 photographs, many of which had never been published before its release