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It’s Taschen’s bargain warehouse sale

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Art book publisher Taschen launched its semi-regular warehouse sale today, marking books down by 50% to 75%. The online sale continues through June 24; its stores, like the one in Beverly Hills, will also be offering bargains.

The warehouse sale includes discontinued titles, books that are ‘slightly dented’ and ‘retired review copies.’ That means they’re in limited supply, and this might be the last chance to get a book you’ve been keeping in your sights. One of the first to sell out is the ‘Big Penis Book 3D’ -- but maybe that’s for the best. Who knows who’d put their hands on it?

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Taschen’s warehouse is full of photo books, books that showcase art, even books about type -- ‘Bondoni’ is a reprint of the 1818 typeface masterwork by the offical printer for the Duke of Parma, Giambattista Bodoni. There are many books about classic art and contemporary design. There are more than a few sexy books. There are books with photos of exotic locations, wild animals, movies, living spaces abroad, robots and Marilyn Monroe.

Taschen is the company of Benedikt Taschen, whose eclectic tastes govern its offerings. ‘He will stand behind every book that he publishes, no matter what,’ the Wall Street Journal wrote in 2011, ‘a directional choice that has not only defined the Cologne-born publisher as a seminal maverick in the world of books, but also as a rebellious risk-taker.’

‘Most books look so ... dispassionately done; they are disposable from the beginning,’ Taschen told the Journal. ‘Their books are not designed to become significant objects, so most books have no identity, no soul. I’m not saying all, but the vast majority [of publishing houses], with a few exceptions, have lost their profile and personality. It doesn’t look like they have spent a lot of care and love.’

Taschen publishes about 100 books a year; about 125 titles are part of the warehouse sale.

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-- Carolyn Kellogg

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