Off Guard: A Paparazzo look at the Beautiful People" – Signed and Inscribed to Halston de Galella, Ron. (b. 1931) [Halston, Roy. (1932-1990)] - 1976

New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1976. Used; Like New/Used; Like New. 8vo.  192 pp.  First softcover edition of the controversial American photographer's retrospective book, boldly signed and inscribed by Galella on the interior cover page to the legendary fashion designer: "For Halston / This book would not be complete without a serious designer of your intelligence and talent. / Best wishes for continued success / Ron Galella / 5/3/76".  With some creasing and nicks to edges, paperclip stain to title and glue remnants along inner front gutter, small water stain to inside rear cover with some light rippling to last section of volume, otherwise very good. A special association copy. 

"Widely regarded as the most famous and most controversial celebrity photographer in the world—dubbed 'Paparazzo Extraordinaire' by Newsweek and 'the Godfather of U.S. paparazzi culture' by Time and Vanity Fair—Galella is notorious for the risky and aggressive strategies used to capture some of his most well-known photographs.  As a result, he endured two highly publicized court battles with Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, a broken jaw at the hands of Marlon Brando, and a serious beating by Richard Burton's bodyguards before being jailed in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  But ultimately, it is his passion for the fine art of photography, coupled with a dedicated do-it-yourself approach to his craft—few artists can claim his level of skill in making their own prints—that sees Ron's body of work exhibited at museums and galleries throughout the world." (rongalella.com)

At the height of his career, Halston's celebrity status attracted attention to his public appearances, which were often in the company of the "Halstonettes" – a group that included his models or close friends, like Liza Minelli and Pat Cleveland, as well as Anjelica Huston, Karen Bjornston, and Pat Ast.  Galella was one such celebrity photographer who captured the glitz-and-glam of Halston and his posse on a number of occasions.