Manhole Covers of Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Dawson's Book Shop. Near Fine. 1974. First Edition. Hardcover. (paper-covered boards; no dust jacket, as issued) [light wear to extremities, a tiny faint stain in the middle of the front cover; bookplate affixed to rear endpaper, upside-down]. (Los Angeles Miscellany, IV) Series (B&W photographs) From the Foreword: "This book concerns the odyssey of two urban archaeologists who set out to unearth the industrial artifacts of a city's past. It is a photographic account of the manhole covers and various other metal lids found in the streets of Los Angeles today." A unique and irresistible book that became an instant, if unlikely, classic. The Melnicks continued on their work in this vein after its publication, expanding their scope to document the history and artistry of manhole covers across the United States; after Robert's death in 1982, Mimi, who was best known as a jazz critic and enthusiast, compiled their hundreds of photographs into a book published by MIT Press in 1994. She was also responsible for petitioning the Los Angeles City Council to ensure the preservation of sixteen manhole covers throughout the city as historical artifacts. .