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Vince Aletti - Physique

Vince Aletti - Physique

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Physique showcases over 250 rare physique photography prints from the private collection of renowned critic and curator Vince Aletti. Spanning the 1930s to the early 1960s, these photographs chronicle a hidden, coded world of homoerotic imagery. Once sold discreetly through mail-order catalogues and underground physique magazines, the prints point to an emergent queer sensibility and visibility. 

Accompanying this visual archive is a personal essay by Aletti which traces the historical and political significance of these images, firmly establishing their place in the canon of photography. He celebrates the artistry of the photographers, models, and studios that brought the photographs to life. Physique reveals a forgotten chapter of American gay culture in which photographic prints served as a lifeline, connecting a community of men under threat while also providing solace, pleasure, and empowerment amid oppression. 

Signed edition

Embossed flexibound
25 x 30 cm, 224 pages

ISBN 978-1-915743-87-9
April 2025

© SPBH Editions

* Please note that colors may slightly differ between the screen and the actual product.

Shipping Information

Preparation Time
Orders are processed within 1 to 2 business days, from Tuesday to Friday (excluding public holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. You will receive another notification when your order has shipped. Some products are likely to be in the process of restocking and may require more time to prepare. In this case, we will inform you by email.

Packing and Shipping Rates
We take great care in ensuring that our products are packed in the most protective manner possible. For posters and prints, we roll them into a sturdy cardboard tube and then pack the tube into a cardboard box. However, please note that certain products, such as books and posters, may not be able to be packed together. As a result, orders with different product types or sizes may be subject to double shipping fees.

We offer worldwide shipping via French national post service, La Poste's Colissimo, Priority Mail, or Delivengo. The shipping fees for your order will be automatically calculated based on factors such as package weight, volume, and destination. If you prefer us to use a different carrier service such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL, please contact us prior to placing your order.

Transit estimates

  • Colissimo (Siganture on delivery):
    France: 2-3 business days
    - Europe: 3-5 business days
    - Other countries: 5-8 business days

  • Standard Mail / Priority Mail (No signature required):
    - France: 2-3 business days
    - Europe: 5-7 business days
    - Other countries: 7-14 business days

  • Delivengo (No signature required):
    - Other countries: 7-14 business days

Please keep in mind that delivery times are estimates and may be delayed due to high volumes at the carrier and customs processing.

In-store pickup
You can skip the shipping fees with free local pickup at our bookshop in Paris. After placing your order and selecting local pickup at checkout, your order will be prepared and ready for pick up within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays). We will send you an email when your order is ready along with instructions.

Our in-store pickup hours are from 10am to 7pm from Tuesday to Saturday, from 2pm to 7pm on Sunday. Please have your order confirmation email with you when you come.

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