What's your favorite HCB book?

[ray_g]

Sure, The Decisive Moment is great, but it also costs thousands. Among the other (read: attainable) books, which do you think is "best?" - not only in terms of the selection of photographs, but also the quality of the print.

 

[ddutchison]

Well here are 2 suggestions.

Cartier-Bresson's France (with text by Francois Nourissier), Thames & Hudson, 1970, ISBN 0500240752. Lots of them on abebooks.com, starting at $19.

The most amazing thing about this book is that all the photos (a couple of hundred) were taken in one 18 month period. I couldn't imagine taking this many great shots in a lifetime. Printing quality is very good, and the text is surprisingly interesting too. All the shots were from late in his career, but no less stunning for that.

The World of Henri Cartier-bresson , Viking Press, 1968. $25 and up at www.abebooks.com.

Lots of shots (again, about 200 in the book) made over his entire career - including most of his famous ones. Well printed and laid out.

Both of these are large books and (I assume) not in print, but readily available on-line.

 

[paulh]

Sure, The Decisive Moment is great, but it also costs thousands. Among the other (read: attainable) books, which do you think is "best?" - not only in terms of the selection of photographs, but also the quality of the print.

Hi Ray,

I got my Decisive Moment for US$250 about 5 years ago. That was becuase it has been repaired. Didnt bother me as the pictures were in superb condition. They are getting harder to find though.

Cheers,
Paul

 

[Bertram2]

Sure, The Decisive Moment is great, but it also costs thousands. Among the other (read: attainable) books, which do you think is "best?" - not only in terms of the selection of photographs, but also the quality of the print.

Ray,
they are all good and worth the money , any preferences are a a matter of personal taste only.
I would begin with "A propos de Paris"/ Schirmer und Mosel or another publisher. I always try the antiquarian database of Amazon first, amazon.fr sometimes offers stuff yo get in France only.

Regards,
Bertram

 

[peter_n]

I only have two, The Early Work and the recent Man, Image and World. Both have OK print quality but the recent book is the one to get I think if you want an overview of his work. The book can be bought at 1/2 price from the discount sellers.