Steidlville

Created over four years (2006-10), Alec Soth’s newest book represents a significant departure from his three previous Steidl publications. Entitled Broken Manual, Soth investigates the places in which people retreat to escape civilization. Soth photographs monks, survivalist, hermits and runaways, but this isn’t a conventional documentary book on life “off the grid.” Instead, working with the writer Lester B. Morrison, the authors have created an underground instruction manual for those looking to escape their lives.

It is common for artists to follow up the publication of their books with ‘Special Editions.’ But in the case of Broken Manual, this edition is being presented first. Made in an edition of 300, Soth calls this the ‘Ideal Edition’ of Broken Manual. Each copy of this edition is housed inside of another, one-of-a-kind book. These signed and numbered ‘shell’ books are unique and cut by hand. Inside the shell, there is also a small booklet entitled ‘Liberation Billfold Manifest’ and an 8x10” print signed and numbered by Alec Soth and Lester B. Morrison.

This special edition can be ordered now though all 300 will be installed as a part of Soth's first major survey exhibition at Walker Art Center (September 12 - January 2, 2011) giving these editions an extraordinary provenance. They will be shipped to buyers in January 2011.