BRASSAÏ: Paris by Night is a high-quality reproduction of the Hungarian photographer’s now-legendary and extremely rare first book of photographs. Born as Gyula Halász in the Transylvanian city of Brassó, Brassaï moved to Paris in 1924 and quickly became part of the avant-garde artist community. It was around this time that he began to teach himself photography. Fascinated by the city’s night-life, Brassaï photographed prostitutes, policemen and other typical characters as well as empty Parisian streets. His works were first published in 1932 in a book entitled “Paris de Nuit”. This reproduction, published by Flammarion, includes 64 duotone illustrations in a 96-page hardover format, available for $45 in the US and $51 in Canada.

Rizzoli Press Release

BRASSAÏ: Paris by Night

Foreword by Paul Morand
Hardcover / 96 pages / 10 ½” x 12 1/4” / 64 duotone illustrations
ISBN: 978-2-08-020099-0 / Price: $45.00 U.S., $51.00 Canadian / Publication date: February 2012

Published for the first time in 1933 and originally designed by Brassaï himself, this is a high-quality reproduction of the photographer’s now-legendary and extremely rare first book of photographs.

Originally from Hungary, Brassaï traveled to Paris in 1924, becoming part of the avant-garde artist community, associating closely with Picasso and the Parisian surrealist circle. Using photography as a tool to document his vision of a dying society, Brassaï established himself as a perceptive observer of nocturnal Parisian life and became known as one of the most original photographers of his generation.

Fascinated by the night, Brassaï photographed its denizens in a signature dreamlike and mysterious style—from policemen to prostitutes, and from the homeless to revelers. This collection, sixty-four iconic images meticulously assembled by Brassaï in 1933, was a significant milestone in the career of this important photographer.  With copies of a 1987 edition selling for hundreds of dollars, this fine Flammarion edition will be a welcome addition to the photography book collector’s library.

About the author: Paul Morand (1888–1976) was a French novelist, playwright, poet, diplomat, and academic, and is considered an early modernist.

Serial rights are available for BRASSAÏ: Paris by Night. To arrange, please contact Pam Sommers at 212 387 3465 or [email protected].  Credit for the book must read: © BRASSAÏ: Paris by Night, Flammarion, 2012.  Images may not be reproduced or transmitted digitally without written permission from the publisher.

BRASSAÏ: Paris by Night
Foreword by Paul Morand
Hardcover / 96 pages / 10.5” x 12.25” / 64 duotone illustrations
ISBN: 978-2-08-020099-0 / Price: $45.00 U.S., $51.00 Canadian
Publication date: February 2012
Flammarion, distributed by Rizzoli New York

Cover photo © BRASSAÏ: Paris by Night, Flammarion, 2012.

Your Comments