Joerg
Dilettant
Don Dudenbostel's "Popcorn Sutton the moonshiner"
Beautiful and interesting.
Joerg
Beautiful and interesting.
Joerg
peter_n
Veteran
Black & White by Bruce Davidson. Steidl, Gottingen, 2012. ISBN 978-3869304328.
This is a five-volume set of reprints of some of Davidson's most famous B&W work; Circus (1958), Brooklyn Gang (1959), Time of Change (1961-1965), East 100th Street (1966-1968), and Central Park (1992-1995).
Some of the books are newly edited and expanded, and each has descriptive and/or explanatory text at the end by either a researcher, Davidson himself, or one of his subjects (Brooklyn Gang). I would think that this is a definitive record of Davidson's B&W body of work; the imagery is stunning, the reproductions exquisite. He is surely one of the most respected and influential documentary photographers that the US has produced, and has stayed in touch over many years with some of his subjects.
Not only is he brilliantly observant, he's humane as is clear from some of the notes he writes. I'm least familiar with his circus work and his pictures and writing in particular about the dwarf clown Jimmy Armstrong show his depth of feeling for his subjects and tells you a lot about what sort of a person Davidson is. He really connects with many of the people in these shots.
On a personal note I was amazed to see some pictures of the James Duffy Circus, a one-ring show that was big in Ireland. They once came to Bray where I used to stay in the summers and I made friends with one of the girls who worked in it although I don't remember what she did. Incredible to see the pictures though.
The books are printed by Steidl in Germany and the tritone print quality is excellent; there are 704 pages in all. The book covers are cloth bound with inset photographs and lettering on the front of each and stitched bindings. Volume 1 is Circus and on the back cover page Davidson has signed the page and numbered the set, which is a limited edition of 2000 copies. The books come in an extremely sturdy slipcase - why couldn't Steidl have done this with The Mexican Suitcase? If you're a Davidson fan this is a must-have.
This is a five-volume set of reprints of some of Davidson's most famous B&W work; Circus (1958), Brooklyn Gang (1959), Time of Change (1961-1965), East 100th Street (1966-1968), and Central Park (1992-1995).
Some of the books are newly edited and expanded, and each has descriptive and/or explanatory text at the end by either a researcher, Davidson himself, or one of his subjects (Brooklyn Gang). I would think that this is a definitive record of Davidson's B&W body of work; the imagery is stunning, the reproductions exquisite. He is surely one of the most respected and influential documentary photographers that the US has produced, and has stayed in touch over many years with some of his subjects.
Not only is he brilliantly observant, he's humane as is clear from some of the notes he writes. I'm least familiar with his circus work and his pictures and writing in particular about the dwarf clown Jimmy Armstrong show his depth of feeling for his subjects and tells you a lot about what sort of a person Davidson is. He really connects with many of the people in these shots.
On a personal note I was amazed to see some pictures of the James Duffy Circus, a one-ring show that was big in Ireland. They once came to Bray where I used to stay in the summers and I made friends with one of the girls who worked in it although I don't remember what she did. Incredible to see the pictures though.
The books are printed by Steidl in Germany and the tritone print quality is excellent; there are 704 pages in all. The book covers are cloth bound with inset photographs and lettering on the front of each and stitched bindings. Volume 1 is Circus and on the back cover page Davidson has signed the page and numbered the set, which is a limited edition of 2000 copies. The books come in an extremely sturdy slipcase - why couldn't Steidl have done this with The Mexican Suitcase? If you're a Davidson fan this is a must-have.
sojournerphoto
Veteran
Just got 'The Lost Photographs of Captain Scott', togeher with his journal. Both from Amazon. The photo book is both interesting and contains some lovely pictures. Good to read the journa alongside too.
Mike
Mike
lcpr
Well-known
Really tempted to get Black & White by Davidson but then Chromes is also calling my name too... Aaagh!
Last photo book I bought was The Americans, it's been impossible to find at a decent price here in London (online they seem to be going for around £60 now), I luckily stumbled upon a copy in a bookstore for £20.
Last photo book I bought was The Americans, it's been impossible to find at a decent price here in London (online they seem to be going for around £60 now), I luckily stumbled upon a copy in a bookstore for £20.
RFluhver
Well-known
I have Chromes. Bought it from Amazon. You better just go and get it. When it runs out of print, the price may increase and then you just regret missing out.
At any rate, it is a wonderful collection of 3 books. Printing is magnificent.
I suggest you don't think too much about the decision. Just close your eyes and take a deep breath. That's it.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Neon Mesa: Wonders of the Southwest
By Rob Atkins
Just an excellent photo book complete with narration by the photographer that does not take himself too seriously. A must read for those who loves Americana.
DSkjaeve
Established
Just ordered Richard Kalvar - "Earthlings" and "Magnum Stories".
plummerl
Well-known
Interesting, I just ordered it from Amazon, Canada and saved over $160 compared to Amazon, US! I did the same thing a few months ago, for Chromes (which is still cheaper).
Araakii
Well-known
I do that all the time. My parents live in Canada so it's very easy for me to do.
plummerl
Well-known
It's beyond easy! I can log in using the same USER/PASS as the US version, they even have a connection to all payment info. Even with exchange and shipping (shipping for B&W is only $9.50/CDN) it is a bargain. Chromes arrived in Seattle from the East coast in about 4 days.
DerrickC
Member
Thanks for the heads up. I normally only check out the Amazon US and UK sites to see which is cheaper. Did not think of Canada. Sometimes it is due to the exchange rate (I live in Singapore) and sometimes its just the bigger discount that is given. I also check book depository for the worldwide free shipping but most of the time unless the book is very heavy, Amazon is still cheaper.
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
just got "Midstream" today. It is a monumental documentary of the Chicago River, done by our friend Richard Wasserman. It took him almost 11 years to finish. All shot with 4x5 - and Richard is very precise in how he does things - it is gorgeous looking book.
We have been lucky to be able to follow this project for years now - seen prints, out-takes etc. He is a very good printer - and, yes 4x5 does look good, really good, particularly for a this kind of project.
The book is distributed by the University of Chicago Press (www.press.uchicago.edu)
ISBN 978-1-93767002-2
I might be biased as Richard is a good friend, but it is still a great piece of documentary and architectural photography.
ChrisLivsey
Veteran
"Edge of Darkness" Barry Thornton
This has been on the wish list for quite a while but copies are few and far between unless you count the rather impressive prices ABEBOOKS are quoting. Considering it was published in London most copies on offer are overseas (to the UK) with the appropriate shipping charges which doesn't help. But patience has its own reward.
Best quote so far Pg 83 "There aren't any magic answers". I sort of knew that really
This has been on the wish list for quite a while but copies are few and far between unless you count the rather impressive prices ABEBOOKS are quoting. Considering it was published in London most copies on offer are overseas (to the UK) with the appropriate shipping charges which doesn't help. But patience has its own reward.
Best quote so far Pg 83 "There aren't any magic answers". I sort of knew that really
peter_n
Veteran
Leica Pocket Book - 8th Edition updated by Brian Bower and Nobby Clark. Steyning Photo Books, Steyning, 2012.
ISBN 978-1874707004.
About a month before I bought my first Leica back in 2003 I bought the 7th edition of this book to help me through the maze of Leica cameras and lenses. Since then it has been an invaluable resource as I bought and sold bodies and lenses, except for most recently when the later ASPH lenses were released by Leica.
This edition completely updates the 7th edition; the last M body in the book is the M9-P but the last R body stays at the R9 since that line has been discontinued. The S2 is included as are the myriad small digital bodies that Leica has released. As others have noted, information on the DMR for the R8/R9 is not present. All the latest ASPH and Summarit lenses are now listed and the serial number listings at the back of the book have been updated and now end (rather disappointingly) in 2008 for bodies and 2009 for lenses. The old pages look to have identical images and text, sometimes rearranged. The new pages follow the same format with the production period, specs., paragraphs on identification, description, variances and for lenses performance and MTF graphs.
This new book is 336 pages long in comparison to the 280 page 7th edition and has two red page ribbons. The layout is virtually identical to the older edition, the glossy paper stock is very high quality and slightly heavier, and the printing and binding by Butler Tanner & Dennis of Somerset is excellent. My 7th edition looks distinctly the worse for wear and can now be honorably retired as it's clear the 8th ed. is a sturdy replacement. This is a very worthwhile update and a resource that should be on every Leica users' shelf.
ISBN 978-1874707004.
About a month before I bought my first Leica back in 2003 I bought the 7th edition of this book to help me through the maze of Leica cameras and lenses. Since then it has been an invaluable resource as I bought and sold bodies and lenses, except for most recently when the later ASPH lenses were released by Leica.
This edition completely updates the 7th edition; the last M body in the book is the M9-P but the last R body stays at the R9 since that line has been discontinued. The S2 is included as are the myriad small digital bodies that Leica has released. As others have noted, information on the DMR for the R8/R9 is not present. All the latest ASPH and Summarit lenses are now listed and the serial number listings at the back of the book have been updated and now end (rather disappointingly) in 2008 for bodies and 2009 for lenses. The old pages look to have identical images and text, sometimes rearranged. The new pages follow the same format with the production period, specs., paragraphs on identification, description, variances and for lenses performance and MTF graphs.
This new book is 336 pages long in comparison to the 280 page 7th edition and has two red page ribbons. The layout is virtually identical to the older edition, the glossy paper stock is very high quality and slightly heavier, and the printing and binding by Butler Tanner & Dennis of Somerset is excellent. My 7th edition looks distinctly the worse for wear and can now be honorably retired as it's clear the 8th ed. is a sturdy replacement. This is a very worthwhile update and a resource that should be on every Leica users' shelf.
PMCC
Late adopter.
Davidson fans -- Outside Inside vs Black and White: which, and why? If I can't have both, how to choose?
kdemas
Enjoy Life.
Francesca Woodman for me. Certainly different but I enjoyed her show at the SF MoMa late last year.
PMCC
Late adopter.
The catalog from that show is terrific. I believe the show is currently at the Guggenheim in NYC -- same catalog. I went to hear the closing panel discussion at SFMOMA by the authors of the essays in the catalog, and they do a great job in laying out Woodman's controversial meaning and influence on photography today. Get the catalog both for the pictures as well as the essays. Better yet, get thee to the Gug while the show is still up, before mid-June.
P.S. to all: I'd enjoy some discussion of my Davidson book question, two postings ago.
DerrickC
Member
Outside Inside is an overall retrospective of his B&W work. Black & White is a reissue of his books which are really hard to find and incredibly expensive to buy 1st or 2nd hand. Personally, if i had to choose between the 2 i'd choose Black & White as the individual bodies of work shine when presented as a whole. As I mentioned in my review of Black & White, the presentation of Central Park in Outside Inside IMO pales in comparison to the original book. Black & White is also released as a limited edition 2000 copies so it will be more difficult to find and buy at the current price once they sell out.
Phantomas
Well-known
I’ve been suffering a serious BAS (as opposed to GAS) for the past few months, so my “library” has been growing steadily. Many excellent books arrived, but the latest are:
- Vivian Mayer “Street Photographer”. Needs no introduction but I’ll say that I’m slightly underwhelmed by this book. What I mean is that I do not agree 100% with the selection of photos for this book as compared to all the photos I’ve seen on the site and blog. Still a nice book though.
- Watabe Yukichi “A Criminal Investigation”. Tremendous piece of work! (see this link). The book has quickly become a collectors item with the price to match, but I was lucky to find it for the original price and jumped on it as it has been on my wish list for some time. It’s a collection of photos following one particular murder case investigation in Japan around end of the 50's. The whole photo essay has a distinctive film noire feel about it. Print and book quality are of a high standard too. Score!
- Christer Stromholm “Les Amies De Place Blanche”. Very nice and intimate B&W photography or transvestites, hookers, etc in Paris in the 70’s.
There’s a lot more on my wishlist but I think Erwitt’s “Sequentially Yours” will be my next purchase.
And just to give you heads up – Steidl is planning to put out several Bruce Davidson books this year, so keep your eyes peeled (I just wish they’d reissue “Brooklyn Gang”).
- Vivian Mayer “Street Photographer”. Needs no introduction but I’ll say that I’m slightly underwhelmed by this book. What I mean is that I do not agree 100% with the selection of photos for this book as compared to all the photos I’ve seen on the site and blog. Still a nice book though.
- Watabe Yukichi “A Criminal Investigation”. Tremendous piece of work! (see this link). The book has quickly become a collectors item with the price to match, but I was lucky to find it for the original price and jumped on it as it has been on my wish list for some time. It’s a collection of photos following one particular murder case investigation in Japan around end of the 50's. The whole photo essay has a distinctive film noire feel about it. Print and book quality are of a high standard too. Score!
- Christer Stromholm “Les Amies De Place Blanche”. Very nice and intimate B&W photography or transvestites, hookers, etc in Paris in the 70’s.
There’s a lot more on my wishlist but I think Erwitt’s “Sequentially Yours” will be my next purchase.
And just to give you heads up – Steidl is planning to put out several Bruce Davidson books this year, so keep your eyes peeled (I just wish they’d reissue “Brooklyn Gang”).
fireblade
Vincenzo.
RFK....by Paul Fusco. Brilliant.