THE MYSTERY OF THE

MYSTERY TRAIN BOOK IS:

WHY IS IT SO IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND? TRUTH IS WE HAVE FOUND IT AT LEAST

THREE TIMES BEFORE BUT THEY HAVE ALL ALWAYS

SOLD ON THE DAY THEY ARRIVED. THIS COPY HAS...

NOT SOLD (YET)!

To start with, it is completely, perfect gorgeous. And it bears the names Jim Jarmusch (always magic) and Masayoshi Sukita (who, if you don't know, made this all time superbook with David Bowie). The name that you can't read, but see in the light of that colour cover photo, is Robby Müller. Robby was the legendary Dutch cinematographer of this film, Down By Law, Paris, Texas, Wings of Desire...
 

Another reason this book sells so fast is this photograph and still from the film. Even if you have not seen Mystery Train (released 1989 and completely excellent) you have probably seen this image. It is one of the most iconic images of 1980's independent cinema - the alternative world's American Dream. 
 

The book presents both on set film still photographs with portraits of the cast and crew. This portrait of Robby Müller is perfect; the black and white light so befitting of his talent in conjuring up just the same thing. 
 

Jim Jarmusch and Rufus Thomas. Rufus played 'the man in the station'. He was 71 when this film was made. Jarmusch cast musicians in many of the roles. 
 

Joe Strummer...
 

Screamin' Jay Hawkins on the right, putting in an incredible turn as the hotel's desk clerk. 
 

And, of course, there is The King.

Mystery Train has it all. The book has even more. And it has provided at least ten minutes a day of entertainment looking for copies for the last fifteen years or so! This is a rare moment - we have one copy right now in the IDEA book room, burning a hole in the table with its cinematographic energy! Buy it on the button below!