Karen Essex, James L. Swanson (Forward by Bettie Page) "Bettie Page: The Life of a Pin-Up Legend" Signed First Edition, First Printing w/COA [Fine/Fine]

Personally signed by Bettie Page, the “Queen of Pinups” and still an enduring symbol of 1950s alternative culture.

SIGNED FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING

Santa Monica, CA: General Publishing Group (January 1, 1996). Karen Essex, James L. Swanson (Forward by Bettie Page) "Bettie Page: The Life of a Pin-Up Legend" Signed Edition, First Printing. Signed by Bettie Page directly onto the half-title page. Hardcover book with dust-jacket. Oversized edition measuring 11" x 9 1/2" x 1". Full number line as required on the copyright page. 288 pages. Boards in Pictorial Jacket. Erotic Photography Monograph.  Profusely illustrated in b&w and color. Includes a bibliography.

Compiled with the assistance of the reclusive Ms. Page herself, "Bettie Page: The Life of a Pin-Up Legend" is a lavish visual tribute to legendary late cult model and object of affection. Included are hundreds of photographs (including family snapshots as well as images by Bunny Yeager, Andre De Dienes, Irving Klaw, Art Amsie, Bill Hamilton, 1950s Camera Clubs, etc.). The book also includes Betty inspired artwork (Eric Stanton, Robert Blue, Olivia De Berardinis, Denis Sire, Dave Stevens, and more), book, magazine, advertisement reproductions, and contemporary homages by the likes of Todd Oldham, Chantal Thomass, Joey Arias, Debi Mazar, Shalom Harlow, Janice Dickinson, Ellen Von Unwerth, Eva Herzigova, Christy Turlington, and Demi Moore.

The ultimate girl-next-door, and one of the most popular Playboy centerfolds, Bettie Page challenged the conservative 1950s, posing as a fierce dominatrix, and earning both a cult underground following and a Senate Committee investigation. This book chronicles Page's life and career, telling the incredible story of a woman who has left an indeliable mark on the history of popular culture. 500 photos.

A most handsome signed edition copy of the 1996 hardbound first edition. 

Bettie Page became famous primarily for her work as a pin-up model in the 1950s. Several key factors contributed to her enduring fame:

1. Iconic Look

Jet-black bangs, blue eyes, and a bright smile made her instantly recognizable.

Her look was both wholesome and provocative, which was unusual for the time.

2. Pioneering Pin-Up and Fetish Photography

She posed for thousands of pin-up photos, many of which featured her in bikinis, lingerie, and bondage gear.

She worked with photographers like Irving Klaw, who specialized in fetish-themed shoots, which were taboo and edgy in the conservative 1950s.

3. Cultural Contradiction

Bettie had a "girl-next-door" vibe while also being involved in erotic and underground culture.

This tension made her both controversial and fascinating.

4. Mystery and Reclusiveness

She vanished from the public eye in the late 1950s, creating a mysterious aura.

Her sudden disappearance only added to her mystique and cult status.

5. Revival in the 1980s–2000s

Artists and musicians rediscovered her, leading to a massive retro and rockabilly revival.

She became a pop culture icon, influencing fashion, comics, and music.

6. Legacy

Today, she's seen as a pioneer of sexual expression and body positivity.

She’s often called the “Queen of Pinups” and is still an enduring symbol of 1950s alternative culture.

Bettie Page

Bettie Mae Page (April 22, 1923 – December 11, 2008) was an American model who gained notoriety in the 1950s for her pin-up photos and other services. She was often referred to as the "Queen of Pinups": her long jet-black hair, blue eyes, and trademark bangs have influenced artists for generations. After her death, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner called her "a remarkable lady, an iconic figure in pop culture who influenced sexuality, taste in fashion, someone who had a tremendous impact on our society".

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Page lived in California in her early adult years before moving to New York City to pursue work as an actress. There, she found work as a pin-up model, and she posed for several photographers throughout the 1950s. Page was "Miss January 1955", one of the earliest Playmates of the Month for Playboy magazine. After years in obscurity, she experienced a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s.

In 1959, Page converted to evangelical Christianity and worked for Billy Graham, studying at Bible colleges in Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, with the intent of becoming a missionary. The latter part of Page's life was marked by depression, violent mood swings, and several years in a state psychiatric hospital with paranoid schizophrenia.