What do you think?
Rate this book
Helmut Newton: Sumo
SUMO was a titanic book in every respect: a 480-page tribute to the 20th century’s most influential, intriguing and controversial photographer, it broke records for weight, dimensions, and resale price.
Helmut Newton (1920–2004) always demonstrated a healthy disdain for easy or predictable solutions. SUMO—a bold and unprecedented publishing venture—was an irresistible project. The idea of a spectacular compendium of images, a book with the dimensions of a private exhibition, reproduced to exceptional page size and to state-of-the-art origination and printing standards, emerged from an open, exploratory dialogue between photographer and publisher.
With the physically commanding SUMO weighing in—boxed and shrink-wrapped—at 35.4 kilos, Newton created a landmark book that stood head and shoulders above anything previously attempted, either in terms of conceptual extravagance or technical specifications.
Published in an edition of 10,000 signed and numbered copies, SUMO sold out soon after publication and quickly multiplied its value. This worldwide publishing sensation now features in numerous important collections around the world, including New York's Museum of Modern Art. Legendary SUMO copy number one, autographed by over 100 of the book's featured celebrities, also broke the record for the most expensive book published in the 20th century, selling at auction in Berlin on April 6, 2000 for 620,000 German Marks – approximately $430,000.
Now, 10 years after the original publication, SUMO is back in a more economical edition, but one with the same DNA as its unique progenitor.
SUMO established new standards for the art monograph genre, and secured a prominent place in photo-book history. This new edition is the fulfillment of an ambition conceived some years ago by Helmut Newton. He would surely be pleased that, a decade on from its first publication, SUMO—now in a format that allows for a more democratic distribution—will reach the widest possible audience.
However, proud owners of the new edition won't wrestle with their copy of SUMO. It comes with a unique stand for displaying the book at home:
Helmut Newton (1920–2004) always demonstrated a healthy disdain for easy or predictable solutions. SUMO—a bold and unprecedented publishing venture—was an irresistible project. The idea of a spectacular compendium of images, a book with the dimensions of a private exhibition, reproduced to exceptional page size and to state-of-the-art origination and printing standards, emerged from an open, exploratory dialogue between photographer and publisher.
With the physically commanding SUMO weighing in—boxed and shrink-wrapped—at 35.4 kilos, Newton created a landmark book that stood head and shoulders above anything previously attempted, either in terms of conceptual extravagance or technical specifications.
Published in an edition of 10,000 signed and numbered copies, SUMO sold out soon after publication and quickly multiplied its value. This worldwide publishing sensation now features in numerous important collections around the world, including New York's Museum of Modern Art. Legendary SUMO copy number one, autographed by over 100 of the book's featured celebrities, also broke the record for the most expensive book published in the 20th century, selling at auction in Berlin on April 6, 2000 for 620,000 German Marks – approximately $430,000.
Now, 10 years after the original publication, SUMO is back in a more economical edition, but one with the same DNA as its unique progenitor.
SUMO established new standards for the art monograph genre, and secured a prominent place in photo-book history. This new edition is the fulfillment of an ambition conceived some years ago by Helmut Newton. He would surely be pleased that, a decade on from its first publication, SUMO—now in a format that allows for a more democratic distribution—will reach the widest possible audience.
However, proud owners of the new edition won't wrestle with their copy of SUMO. It comes with a unique stand for displaying the book at home:
480 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1999
12 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Helmut Newton
76 books50 followersHelmut Newton, born Helmut Neustädter was a German-Australian fashion photographer noted for his nude studies of women.
Born to a German-Jewish button-factory owner and an American mother, Newton attended the Heinrich-von-Treitschke-Realgymnasium and the American School in Berlin. Interested in photography from the age of twelve when he purchased his first camera, he worked for the German photographer Yva (Else Neulander Simon) from 1936. The increasingly oppressive restrictions placed on Jews by the Nuremberg laws meant that his father lost control of the factory in which he manufactured buttons and buckles; he was even briefly interned in a concentration camp. ‘Kristallnacht’ on 9 November 1938 compelled the family to leave Germany.
Newton's parents fled to Chile. He was issued with a passport just after turning 18, and left Germany on 5 December 1938. At Trieste he boarded the 'Conte Rosso' (along with about two hundred others escaping the Nazis) intending to journey to China. After arriving in Singapore, Newton was interned by British authorities and was sent to Australia on board the 'Queen Mary'. Internees travelled to the camp of Tatura, Victoria by train under armed guard. He was released from internment in 1942, and briefly worked as a fruit-picker in northern Victoria. In April 1942, he enlisted with the Australian Army and worked as a truck driver. After the war, in 1945 he became an Australian citizen, and changed his name to Newton in 1946. In 1948 he married actress June Browne.She later became a successful photographer known as Alice Springs.
In 1946, Newton set up a studio in fashionable Flinders Lane and worked primarily on fashion photography in the affluent post-war years. He shared his first joint exhibition in May 1953 with Wolfgang Sievers, a German refugee like himself who had also served in the same Company. The exhibition of ‘New Visions in Photography’ was held at the Federal Hotel in Collins Street and was probably the first glimpse of 'New Objectivity' photography in Australia. Newton went into partnership with Henry Talbot, a fellow German Jew who had also been interned at Tatura.
Newton's growing reputation as a fashion photographer was rewarded when he secured a commission to illustrate fashions in a special Australian supplement for Vogue magazine, published in January 1956. He won a twelve-month contract with British Vogue and he left for London in February 1957. He left the magazine before the end of his contract and went to Paris where he worked for French and German magazines. He returned to Melbourne in March 1959 to a contract for Australian Vogue.
He settled in Paris in 1961 and continued work as a fashion photographer. His works appeared in magazines including, most significantly, French Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. He established a particular style marked by erotic, stylised scenes, often with sado-masochistic and fetishistic subtexts. A heart attack in 1970 slowed his output somewhat but he extended his work and his notoriety/fame greatly increased, notably with his 1980 "Big Nudes" series which marked the pinnacle of his erotic-urban style, underpinned with excellent technical skills. He also worked in portraiture and more fantastical studies.
Newton was extremely fond of his hometown of Berlin, and in October 2003 he donated an extensive photo collection to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, establishing the Helmut Newton Foundation. The foundation’s aim is the conservation, protection and presentation of the oeuvre of Helmut Newton and Alice Springs.
In his later life, Newton lived in Monte Carlo and Los Angeles. He was killed when his car hit a wall in the driveway of the famous Chateau Marmont, the hotel on Sunset Boulevard which had for several years served as his residence in Southern California. It has been speculated that Newton suffered a heart attack in the moments before the collision. His ashes are buried next to Marlene Dietrich at
Born to a German-Jewish button-factory owner and an American mother, Newton attended the Heinrich-von-Treitschke-Realgymnasium and the American School in Berlin. Interested in photography from the age of twelve when he purchased his first camera, he worked for the German photographer Yva (Else Neulander Simon) from 1936. The increasingly oppressive restrictions placed on Jews by the Nuremberg laws meant that his father lost control of the factory in which he manufactured buttons and buckles; he was even briefly interned in a concentration camp. ‘Kristallnacht’ on 9 November 1938 compelled the family to leave Germany.
Newton's parents fled to Chile. He was issued with a passport just after turning 18, and left Germany on 5 December 1938. At Trieste he boarded the 'Conte Rosso' (along with about two hundred others escaping the Nazis) intending to journey to China. After arriving in Singapore, Newton was interned by British authorities and was sent to Australia on board the 'Queen Mary'. Internees travelled to the camp of Tatura, Victoria by train under armed guard. He was released from internment in 1942, and briefly worked as a fruit-picker in northern Victoria. In April 1942, he enlisted with the Australian Army and worked as a truck driver. After the war, in 1945 he became an Australian citizen, and changed his name to Newton in 1946. In 1948 he married actress June Browne.She later became a successful photographer known as Alice Springs.
In 1946, Newton set up a studio in fashionable Flinders Lane and worked primarily on fashion photography in the affluent post-war years. He shared his first joint exhibition in May 1953 with Wolfgang Sievers, a German refugee like himself who had also served in the same Company. The exhibition of ‘New Visions in Photography’ was held at the Federal Hotel in Collins Street and was probably the first glimpse of 'New Objectivity' photography in Australia. Newton went into partnership with Henry Talbot, a fellow German Jew who had also been interned at Tatura.
Newton's growing reputation as a fashion photographer was rewarded when he secured a commission to illustrate fashions in a special Australian supplement for Vogue magazine, published in January 1956. He won a twelve-month contract with British Vogue and he left for London in February 1957. He left the magazine before the end of his contract and went to Paris where he worked for French and German magazines. He returned to Melbourne in March 1959 to a contract for Australian Vogue.
He settled in Paris in 1961 and continued work as a fashion photographer. His works appeared in magazines including, most significantly, French Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. He established a particular style marked by erotic, stylised scenes, often with sado-masochistic and fetishistic subtexts. A heart attack in 1970 slowed his output somewhat but he extended his work and his notoriety/fame greatly increased, notably with his 1980 "Big Nudes" series which marked the pinnacle of his erotic-urban style, underpinned with excellent technical skills. He also worked in portraiture and more fantastical studies.
Newton was extremely fond of his hometown of Berlin, and in October 2003 he donated an extensive photo collection to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, establishing the Helmut Newton Foundation. The foundation’s aim is the conservation, protection and presentation of the oeuvre of Helmut Newton and Alice Springs.
In his later life, Newton lived in Monte Carlo and Los Angeles. He was killed when his car hit a wall in the driveway of the famous Chateau Marmont, the hotel on Sunset Boulevard which had for several years served as his residence in Southern California. It has been speculated that Newton suffered a heart attack in the moments before the collision. His ashes are buried next to Marlene Dietrich at
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 10, 2014
I admired this rare book in the window of a Park Road specialist bookshop, but dismissed it due to its sheer weight, size and price! My wife snuck back the next day and bought his one and only copy for my birthday. What a woman! I think I must have one of the few copies in Brisbane. It's a behemoth publication and comes with its own stand.
Interestingly, while I like some of the images it contains, I find Newton's work confronting at times - so we leave it open at the "less confronting" images for our guests to see.
Its sheer size makes it awkward. I mean, you can't put it on your lap and perouse it while drinking tea (takes two hands). It's not a "read in bed" type book either. If you accidentally fell asleep while reading it, it might topple onto you and fracture your skull!
No folks! This is is the quintessential coffee-table book. Just make sure it's a STRONG coffee table.
Interestingly, while I like some of the images it contains, I find Newton's work confronting at times - so we leave it open at the "less confronting" images for our guests to see.
Its sheer size makes it awkward. I mean, you can't put it on your lap and perouse it while drinking tea (takes two hands). It's not a "read in bed" type book either. If you accidentally fell asleep while reading it, it might topple onto you and fracture your skull!
No folks! This is is the quintessential coffee-table book. Just make sure it's a STRONG coffee table.
June 22, 2020
Ein Buch das in mehrerer Hinsicht ein Meilenstein der Kunstgeschichte ist. Zum war die limitierte Erstauflage vor 20 Jahren eines der teuersten Bücher überhaupt, es kostete damals 10.000$, der großformatige Band (120 x 80 x 15cm) ist auch das schwerste Buch in meiner Sammlung (ca. 30 Kilo).
Trotz dieser sekundären Qualitäten besticht das Buch in der, von Helmut Newton's Witwe June, überarbeiteten Version, wie bereits das Orginal mit seinen wunderschönen Porträts der, teilweise prominenten Menschen, zugegebenerweise meistens Frauen. Es sind perfekte Photos (größtenteils in Schwarzweiß), perfekt inszeniert und gleichzeitig eine Reise in vergangene Jahrzehnte. Kult! Für jeden Fotoenthusiasten ein Muss!.
Schade dass diese Ausgabe nicht den Tisch beinhaltet, der bereits beim Orginal für Furore gesorgt hat!
Trotz dieser sekundären Qualitäten besticht das Buch in der, von Helmut Newton's Witwe June, überarbeiteten Version, wie bereits das Orginal mit seinen wunderschönen Porträts der, teilweise prominenten Menschen, zugegebenerweise meistens Frauen. Es sind perfekte Photos (größtenteils in Schwarzweiß), perfekt inszeniert und gleichzeitig eine Reise in vergangene Jahrzehnte. Kult! Für jeden Fotoenthusiasten ein Muss!.
Schade dass diese Ausgabe nicht den Tisch beinhaltet, der bereits beim Orginal für Furore gesorgt hat!
February 24, 2023
Bescheiden versie (nog steeds 26.7 x 37.4 cm en meer dan 6 kilo) van het legendarische reuzenboek uit 1999. Een klassieker die ook in dit kleinere formaat indruk maakt. Het zwaartepunt ligt in dit boek op erotisch geladen modefoto’s en naaktstudies. Net als bij het boek met modefoto’s van Annie Leibovitz (Wonderland), boeien de spaarzame portretten van beroemdheden mij het meest. De portretten die Newton maakte van bijv. architecte Zaha Hadid (als een soort Mona Lisa), David Bowie en Salvador Dalí vind ik mateloos fascinerend.
May 11, 2010
It’s hard to believe that it has been 10 years since the Taschen art book house set the world of book publishing on its ear with the publication of the world’s largest mass production book, ‘Sumo’ by Helmut Newton. The 66 pound, 20 by 27.5 inch book was originally issued as a signed, limited edition volume complete with its own chrome viewing stand designed by modern artist Philippe Starck.
Now, upon the 10th anniversary of it’s publication, comes ‘Sumo’ the coffee table sized edition for those who either couldn’t afford the $10,000 first edition or for who (like us) the massive original was just too unwieldy to manage for ease of viewing. Either way, ‘Sumo’ is back and it exists to showcase and celebrate what is undoubtedly one of the world’s premiere photographers and his most famous sexy, edgy, (largely) black and white work.
Newton, who died in a car accident outside Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmont hotel shortly after the book’s original publication, was beyond compare when it came to his stark and somewhat controversial portraits of the world’s rich and famous as well as many of the world’s top models and even downright ordinary people. ‘Sumo’ captures all of Newton’s most famous photographs including subjects such as Princess Caroline, Brigitte Neilsen, Salvador Dali, Iman, David Bowie (separately), David Lynch and Isabella Rossellini (together) Nicholas Cage, Darryl Hannah and countless others. His oft-times German (and even Nazi) influenced, S&M images of models from Hollywood to Paris remain as strikingly vibrant and cutting edge as they were when originally shot. The full page and double truck layout of the photos add to the dramatic impact in both versions as well.
In preparation for this smaller, coffee table edition, the makers (presumably June Newton) went back and reviewed each of the photo pages to see if any improvements could be made. The result are a relatively small number of substitute photos (Winnie on Deck, Cannes or Romy Schneider, for example) or alternative takes usually just a few frames apart from the original shot selection. The main pros and cons are basically that the new version is immensely easier to view than the poster size original, while the impact of the larger format pages is somewhat lost, especially on the double truck photos which are nearly larger than life in the first edition.
Overall, the price tag is probably the great equalizer. Now, for the first time, the brilliance of ‘Sumo’ is available to the masses. After a ten year wait that may be the best news of all. Either way, this is easily one of the most impressive photo art books ever assembled. While the stand and weight add to the aura of majesty, ‘Sumo’ stands on it’s own as one of the greatest art books ever. Yes, ever.
Now, upon the 10th anniversary of it’s publication, comes ‘Sumo’ the coffee table sized edition for those who either couldn’t afford the $10,000 first edition or for who (like us) the massive original was just too unwieldy to manage for ease of viewing. Either way, ‘Sumo’ is back and it exists to showcase and celebrate what is undoubtedly one of the world’s premiere photographers and his most famous sexy, edgy, (largely) black and white work.
Newton, who died in a car accident outside Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmont hotel shortly after the book’s original publication, was beyond compare when it came to his stark and somewhat controversial portraits of the world’s rich and famous as well as many of the world’s top models and even downright ordinary people. ‘Sumo’ captures all of Newton’s most famous photographs including subjects such as Princess Caroline, Brigitte Neilsen, Salvador Dali, Iman, David Bowie (separately), David Lynch and Isabella Rossellini (together) Nicholas Cage, Darryl Hannah and countless others. His oft-times German (and even Nazi) influenced, S&M images of models from Hollywood to Paris remain as strikingly vibrant and cutting edge as they were when originally shot. The full page and double truck layout of the photos add to the dramatic impact in both versions as well.
In preparation for this smaller, coffee table edition, the makers (presumably June Newton) went back and reviewed each of the photo pages to see if any improvements could be made. The result are a relatively small number of substitute photos (Winnie on Deck, Cannes or Romy Schneider, for example) or alternative takes usually just a few frames apart from the original shot selection. The main pros and cons are basically that the new version is immensely easier to view than the poster size original, while the impact of the larger format pages is somewhat lost, especially on the double truck photos which are nearly larger than life in the first edition.
Overall, the price tag is probably the great equalizer. Now, for the first time, the brilliance of ‘Sumo’ is available to the masses. After a ten year wait that may be the best news of all. Either way, this is easily one of the most impressive photo art books ever assembled. While the stand and weight add to the aura of majesty, ‘Sumo’ stands on it’s own as one of the greatest art books ever. Yes, ever.
October 29, 2009
The original version of Helmut Newton's SUMO wasn't really a book. More like a coffee table where you can actually change pages once in awhile. Well, that edition which I hear is going for $20,000 is out-of-print. But our good friends at Taschen has put together a smaller version of Sumo. And to my eyes (and health) this is a much better size than the big.
For one you can get comfortable and cozy looking at the entire career of one of the great fashion photograpers in our era. Newton didn't invent 'fashion kink photos' but surely his one of the masters. Even straight ahead portraits of stars, etc has an erotic energy to it. Essential book to own, especially the downsize (but complete) version of SUMO.
For one you can get comfortable and cozy looking at the entire career of one of the great fashion photograpers in our era. Newton didn't invent 'fashion kink photos' but surely his one of the masters. Even straight ahead portraits of stars, etc has an erotic energy to it. Essential book to own, especially the downsize (but complete) version of SUMO.
December 16, 2013
This is a great and very large and important collection of Helmut Newton's photographs. While not weighing in at 66lbs as did the original limited edition of 10,000 copies (see http://www.taschen.com/pages/en/catal...), this version does include an acrylic stand and is about half the weight. Very high quality prints.
It is likely that Stanley's Kubrick "Eyes Wide Shut" was influenced in part by Newton's work. Just compare the images of the women in the Masked Ball with Newton's images.
It is likely that Stanley's Kubrick "Eyes Wide Shut" was influenced in part by Newton's work. Just compare the images of the women in the Masked Ball with Newton's images.
August 11, 2018
Icon ❤️
September 29, 2025
Najlepiej wydana książka jaką posiadam!
6kg szczęścia! 💙
6kg szczęścia! 💙
June 20, 2011
Covers every aspect of Newton's outstanding career: from the stunning fashion images that influenced generations of younger photographers, to his powerful, erotic nudes and celebrity portraits.
July 27, 2012
You know any art book that comes with a stand has to be good! A great collection of his work. Good reproductions. Well worth the cover price.
September 17, 2016
Massive collection of photos, B/w and color. Famous faces appear. Fashion, portraits, and nudes. Grace Jones appears in all her glory.
January 14, 2018
Fascinating life. Interesting read. Amazing technical skills with his camera.
August 31, 2020
A beautiful collector’s volume with the greatest shots from the provocative master of style.
August 13, 2021
Be aware that the details of the photographs (subject, location, etc.) are so small under the photographs that you may need a magnifying glass to read them.
August 31, 2023
VERY entertaining... and a very long history of diverse subject matters.
March 16, 2024
It is a good book for art and fashion over the years. It is more of a collector's item.
December 8, 2024
oh my Newton ❤️
February 26, 2015
Formato ridotto (si fa per dire) del celebre "Sumo": antologia eccezionale per la quantità delle foto e la qualità di fruizione che le dimensioni permettono. Dotato di reggilibro.
November 26, 2016
Vol met prachtige foto's afgedrukt op hoge kwaliteit op dik papier. Mooie boekenstandaard meegeleverd.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews