John HEARTFIELD

Das Geld Schreibt.  By Upton Sinclair.  215, [1] pp.  8vo., 190 x 130 mm, bound in publisher’s wrappers with attached dust-wrapper with photomontage by John Heartfield with the rear portion censored with die-cut ovals.  Berlin: Malik-Verlag, 1930.  WITH:

Das Geld Schreibt.  By Upton Sinclair.  215, [1] pp.  8vo., 190 x 130 mm, bound in publisher’s cloth with and dust-wrapper with photomontage by John Heartfield with the rear portion uncensored.  Berlin: Malik-Verlag, 1930. 

Both the censored and uncensored versions of the German edition of Upton Sinclair’s Money Writes with the photomontaged covers by John Heartfield.  The rear portion contains a photograph of author Emil Ludwig and family which resulted in a successful lawsuit requiring the removal of their likeness.  Malik’s idea of compliance was perhaps more subversive than the original. 

Both versions are uncommon, especially in the present condition.  Some amateur repairs to the verso of both covers, some creasing and a previous owner having a little fun with the dye cuts, but overall very good. 

Pachnicke, Peter and Klaus Honnef, John Heartfield, no. 335.  Siepmann, Montage: John Heartfield vom Club Dada zur Arbeiter-Illustrieter Zeitung, A132.