Phaidon is set to release the groundbreaking book, “CryptoPunks: Free to Claim,” which will showcase all 10,000 Punks ever created and explore their journey to becoming a cultural phenomenon in the digital collectibles world.
In a press release received by crypto.news on October 16, global publishing company Phaidon announced the forthcoming publication of “CryptoPunks: Free to Claim.” The book is a collaboration between creative director Zak Kyes, web3 lifestyle and media company Yuga Labs, and Zak Group.
Scheduled to be available for purchase in December, the book will be priced at $100 USD, $135 CAN, £49.95 UK, and €89.95 EUR. A limited version will also be offered to CryptoPunk owners, featuring the word “HOLDER” printed on the edge.
This unique book will be the first of its kind to display all 10,000 distinct CryptoPunk non-fungible token characters in print. Each Punk will be presented with details of its type, attributes, pixel color, and on-chain data in the form of Image Hash.
Renowned artist Simon Denny has creatively placed each Punk as miniature icons on pages made from tear-out blotter paper. The book also incorporates a comprehensive timeline that includes excerpts from community posts and timestamped tweets.
Additionally, “CryptoPunks: Free to Claim” includes interviews with key figures who played instrumental roles in the rise of CryptoPunks, including founders Matt Hall and John Watkinson, as well as artistic director Hans Ulrch Obrich.
The glossary section of the book offers over one hundred web3 terms provided by industry pioneers such as Beeple, Emily Segal, and Venkatesh Rao.
Leading figures and experts from the digital art, design, fashion, and technology sectors have contributed to the text and visuals of the book. Contributors include Anika Meier, Gmoney, Mindy Seu, Chris Lyons (a16z), Salome Asega, NEW INC, New Models, Shumon Basar, Martina Tiefenthaler, Michael Connor, Rhizome, Jack Butcher, and 6529.
The aim of “CryptoPunks: Free to Claim” is to capture the rich history of these digital icons through a collection of texts, interviews, and visual essays that highlight the widespread cultural impact of CryptoPunks on Crypto Art. The book demonstrates how these icons will continue to be relevant for years to come.
Originally launched on June 23, 2017, CryptoPunks, or Punks, are a set of 10,000 unique 24 x 24 pixel avatars inspired by the London 80s punk scene and 90s cyberpunk aesthetic.
CryptoPunks initially began as freely claimable NFTs, which explains the book’s title. However, due to high demand, they evolved into highly sought-after digital collectibles, with prices ranging from thousands to millions of dollars per piece. To date, the Punks have generated over $2.3 billion in cumulative sales.
Some CryptoPunks have even been sold for millions of dollars at prestigious auctions hosted by Christie’s and Sotheby’s, and have been added to permanent collections at art institutions such as ICA Miami, Centre Pompidou, and LACMA.
A special limited edition of the book will be made available exclusively to CryptoPunk owners, featuring the word “Holder” printed on the edge of the pages.