Tom Volf
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No. 20 MMXVII Book

Maria by Callas

Maria by Callas: In Her Own Words was released by Assouline in October 2017, six months before the eponymous film reached audiences.

No. 20 — MMXVII Maria by Callas (2017)
01 / The work
Official poster

Maria by Callas: In Her Own Words was published by Assouline in October 2017, six months before the eponymous film reached audiences.

It is with this book that everything began: the matrix project from which, in the years that followed, the documentary, the exhibition at the Seine Musicale, the theatrical show with Monica Bellucci and the restored recital of 1958 would emerge.

Two hundred and sixty large format pages, one hundred and fifty illustrations, the majority of which are unpublished, text in English. Each chapter opens with Maria Callas’ own words — hence the subtitle In her own words — and sets the tone for a work constructed less like a biography than like the personal album that the diva herself would have composed.

Editor's favorite.
ClassiqueNews, September 2017
02 / Iconography

In pictures

Maria by Callas (Assouline) — inside pages of the book Maria by Callas (Assouline) — inside pages of the book Maria by Callas (Assouline) — inside pages of the book Maria by Callas (Assouline) — inside pages of the book Maria by Callas (Assouline) — inside pages of the book Maria by Callas, book by Tom Volf (Assouline) — shop window Maria by Callas, book by Tom Volf (Assouline) — inside spread Maria by Callas, book by Tom Volf (Assouline) — inside spread Maria by Callas, book by Tom Volf (Assouline) — inside spread Maria by Callas, book by Tom Volf (Assouline) — inside spread Maria by Callas, book by Tom Volf (Assouline) — box set Maria by Callas, book by Tom Volf (Assouline) — in bookstores
03 / At the heart of the book

At the heart of the book

First edition

Assouline · October 2017

White cover, interleaved photo “Callas in red dress on armchair” in 16 mm film frame, burgundy red spine. Maria by Callas: In Her Own Words was published by Assouline in October 2017 — six months before the release of the eponymous film. Large format print 260 pages, 150 illustrations, the majority unpublished, text in English.

Maria by Callas Assouline 2017 — 3D cover, white backgroundMaria by Callas Assouline 2017 — 3D cover, black background

Le Figaro — September 2017

Announcement of the publication in Le Figaro on the eve of the official launch. Front page report and double-page interview by Marie-Christine Tabet: “Tom Volf: there was magic in the art of Callas”.

Figaro — front pageFigaro — page 28Figaro — page 29
Figaro — full double-page spread

Le Figaro Cinema — September 2017

“La Callas returns to the big screen” — article by François-Pier Pélinard-Lambert announcing the documentary Maria by Callas, the Assouline book and the future world tour of Tom Volf projects.

Le Figaro Cinéma — Callas returns to the big screen

Centenary edition

Assouline · 2023 · 100th anniversary edition

For the centenary of the birth of Maria Callas (December 2, 1923), Assouline reissued the work in a new design: full-page cover, photo of the singer in a red dress surrounded by four admirers in tuxedos – an image of a Parisian evening that has become iconic – and gold title “Maria by Callas – 100ᵗʰ Anniversary Edition”. The book is enclosed in a velvet burgundy red box bearing Maria Callas' signature in gold, stamped on the side.

Maria by Callas — 2023 centenary edition

Velvet box and score

The velvet burgundy red box stamped with the golden signature of Maria Callas, placed near a handwritten score — staged from Café Momus in Paris.

Velvet box set + handwritten score

Signing at The Hellenic Centre · London

European book tour. Tom Volf signing at the Hellenic Center in London for the release of the centenary edition. Red velvet box placed on the signing table.

Book signing in London — Hellenic Centre 1Book signing in London — Hellenic Centre 2

International distribution

Assouline window display alongside other titles from the house (Trophy Trunks, Polo Heritage, Italian Dream) - the centenary edition is part of the house's heritage collection. Presentation in a cozy café with the box set for free reading.

Assouline window display with the centenary editionThe centenary edition being read in a Paris café

Both editions together

2017 · 2023

Six years separate the two editions. The first (2017) laid the foundations for Tom Volf’s “Callas Cinematic Universe” — film, exhibition, show, sound restoration. The second (2023) capitalizes on this journey and makes the book the pivotal object of the centenary.

The two covers side by sideBookstore window — two editions on display

Also available in London

At Maison Assouline (Piccadilly), at Waterstones and Hatchards, as well as online on Bookshop.org, AbeBooks and at numerous European dealers (Milanstyle, New Mags, Areastore, etc.).