John Severson

The Surfer, Issue 1 [with] The Surfer Poster [signed]

Dana Point, California: Severson Studios, 1960. Saddle stapled in wraps. 8vo (8 ¼ x 11 in.)
33, [2] pp. Previous owner’s inscription on title page. Very good.

9 ½ x 12 in. Minor loss to bottom right
corner not obstructing image or text, adhesive residue at corners of verso; very good.
Signed by John Severson. Item #6208

Signed first edition of the first issue of The Surfer, with scarce promotional poster.

Founded, edited, illustrated and photographed by John Severson, The Surfer began as a
magazine comprised of photographs taken while filming Severson’s 1960 film, Surf Fever.
Preceding any type of industry for surf photography, art, or writing, Severson used the
magazine to disseminate information about the nascent sport, including writing about surf
technique, surf spots, and surf culture. Over time, the publication grew and evolved in style
and content, changing first into a quarterly magazine, and finally appearing bi-monthly and
covering not only surfing but also international affairs, consciously addressing
environmental, cultural, and political topics of the day. This is a copy of the seldom seen
1960 first edition together with a ephemeral (and beautiful!) promotional poster. A 1973
reprint is also rarely seen these days, but not as cool as the original, naturally.


Fans of the popular 2000s cartoon Spongebob Squarepants may also recognize the font.

Sold