The Private File. Volumes 1, 2 & 3

ca. 1970. First edition, first and only printings of Volumes 1, 2 and 3, which are erroneously labeled on their front covers here as first, second and third editions. Bound in publisher's stapled wraps. Contains images of male nudes printed in black and white. Near Fine with light general wear, light creasing, light tanning and light foxing. Several pen-marks to available order list at rear, perhaps as issued. Bruce Harry Bellas (July 7, 1909 - July 1974) who became well-known under the pseudonym Bruce of Los Angeles, was an American photographer who was influential in his work with male physiques and nudes. In 1947, he began photographing bodybuilders in Los Angeles, California, beginning with taking pictures of bodybuilding competitions. In 1956, Bellas launched his own magazine, The Male Figure. Among physique photographers, Bellas' work was noted for having a distinctly campy, tongue-in-cheek sensibility. He also produced a number of early homoerotic 8 mm films.