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Helmut Newton: SUMO

by June Newton

4.69 · rating details · 26 ratings · 3 reviews

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 pro...moreSUMO 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.Now, 10 years after the original publication, SUMO is back in a more economical edition, but one with the same DNA as its unique progenitor. 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. It comes with a unique stand for displaying the book at home: (less)

Hardcover, 464 pages

Published October 2nd 2009 by Taschen America LLC (first published 2009)

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May 10, 2010

Blog on Books rated it

It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the Taschen art book house set the world of book publishing on its ear with the publication of the world’s largest mass production book, ‘Sumo’ by Helmut Newton. The 66 pound, 20 by 27.5 inch book was originally issued as a signed, limited edition volume complete with its own chrome viewing stand designed by modern artist Philippe Starck.

Now, upon the 10th anniversary of it’s publication, comes ‘Sumo’ the coffee table sized edition...moreIt’s hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the Taschen art book house set the world of book publishing on its ear with the publication of the world’s largest mass production book, ‘Sumo’ by Helmut Newton. The 66 pound, 20 by 27.5 inch book was originally issued as a signed, limited edition volume complete with its own chrome viewing stand designed by modern artist Philippe Starck.

Now, upon the 10th anniversary of it’s publication, comes ‘Sumo’ the coffee table sized edition for those who either couldn’t afford the $10,000 first edition or for who (like us) the massive original was just too unwieldy to manage for ease of viewing. Either way, ‘Sumo’ is back and it exists to showcase and celebrate what is undoubtedly one of the world’s premiere photographers and his most famous sexy, edgy, (largely) black and white work.

Newton, who died in a car accident outside Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmont hotel shortly after the book’s original publication, was beyond compare when it came to his stark and somewhat controversial portraits of the world’s rich and famous as well as many of the world’s top models and even downright ordinary people. ‘Sumo’ captures all of Newton’s most famous photographs including subjects such as Princess Caroline, Brigitte Neilsen, Salvador Dali, Iman, David Bowie (separately), David Lynch and Isabella Rossellini (together) Nicholas Cage, Darryl Hannah and countless others. His oft-times German (and even Nazi) influenced, S&M images of models from Hollywood to Paris remain as strikingly vibrant and cutting edge as they were when originally shot. The full page and double truck layout of the photos add to the dramatic impact in both versions as well.

In preparation for this smaller, coffee table edition, the makers (presumably June Newton) went back and reviewed each of the photo pages to see if any improvements could be made. The result are a relatively small number of substitute photos (Winnie on Deck, Cannes or Romy Schneider, for example) or alternative takes usually just a few frames apart from the original shot selection. The main pros and cons are basically that the new version is immensely easier to view than the poster size original, while the impact of the larger format pages is somewhat lost, especially on the double truck photos which are nearly larger than life in the first edition.

Overall, the price tag is probably the great equalizer. Now, for the first time, the brilliance of ‘Sumo’ is available to the masses. After a ten year wait that may be the best news of all. Either way, this is easily one of the most impressive photo art books ever assembled. While the stand and weight add to the aura of majesty, ‘Sumo’ stands on it’s own as one of the greatest art books ever. Yes, ever.(less)

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Oct 29, 2009

Tosh rated it

The original version of Helmut Newton's SUMO wasn't really a book. More like a coffee table where you can actually change pages once in awhile. Well, that edition which I hear is going for $20,000 is out-of-print. But our good friends at Taschen has put together a smaller version of Sumo. And to my eyes (and health) this is a much better size than the big.

For one you can get comfortable and cozy looking at the entire career of one of the great fashion photograpers in our era. ...more

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Jun 20, 2011

Margarite Baltruweit rated it

Shelves: coffee-table-books

Covers every aspect of Newton's outstanding career: from the stunning fashion images that influenced generations of younger photographers, to his powerful, erotic nudes and celebrity portraits.

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