800page book chronicles the remarkable ascent of the CryptoPunks collection
Phaidon is set to release “CryptoPunks: Free to Claim,” a groundbreaking book that showcases all 10,000 Punks ever created and explores the cultural phenomenon surrounding these digital collectibles.
In a press release dated October 16th, global publishing company Phaidon announced the forthcoming publication of “CryptoPunks: Free to Claim.” The book, written and compiled by creative director Zak Kyes, is a collaboration with web3 lifestyle and media company Yuga Labs and was conceptualized by 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 of the book will be exclusively offered to CryptoPunk owners, featuring the word “HOLDER” printed along the edge.
This unique publication will be the first of its kind to present all 10,000 distinctive CryptoPunk non-fungible token (NFT) characters in a printed format. Each Punk’s type, attributes, pixel color, and on-chain data in the form of Image Hash will be included.
Renowned artist Simon Denny has ingeniously arranged miniature icons of each Punk on pages made from tear-out blotter paper. The book incorporates a comprehensive timeline, interweaving excerpts from community member posts and timestamped tweets.
Furthermore, “CryptoPunks: Free to Claim” features interviews with key figures who played a pivotal role in the rise of CryptoPunks, including founders Matt Hall and John Watkinson, as well as artistic director Hans Ulrch Obrich. The glossary is filled with over one hundred web3 terms, contributed by industry pioneers such as Beeple, Emily Segal, and Venkatesh Rao.
To enhance the book’s content, notable figures and experts from the digital art, design, fashion, and technology realms have contributed texts or designed visuals. Contributors include Anika Meier, Gmoney, Mindy Seu, Chris Lyons (a16z), Salome Asega or NEW INC, New Models, Shumon Basar, Martina Tiefenthaler, Michael Connor or Rhizome, Jack Butcher, and 6529.
The primary objective of this book is to capture the fascinating history of these digital icons through a collection of texts, interviews, and visual essays. It illustrates the widespread cultural impact of CryptoPunks on Crypto Art and emphasizes their enduring relevance for years to come.
CryptoPunks, also known as Punks, were initially launched on June 23, 2017. This set of 10,000 uniquely generated 24 x 24 pixel avatars draws inspiration from the London 80s punk scene and 90s cyberpunk culture.
Originally available as free-to-claim NFTs, CryptoPunks quickly gained popularity and began to be bought and sold as digital collectibles. Prices for these pieces have ranged from thousands to millions of dollars. Since their introduction, CryptoPunks have generated over $2.3 billion in cumulative sales.
Some CryptoPunks have fetched millions of dollars at auctions held by prestigious auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Additionally, several have been added to permanent collections at renowned art institutions such as ICA Miami, Centre Pompidou, and LACMA.
A special limited edition of the book will be exclusively offered to CryptoPunk owners, with the word “Holder” printed along the edge of the pages.
