Themes Books

i was introduced to Mark's images through her wonderful work in the picture book of the film BABEL. I was very impressed with her Magnum-esque images and after purchasing this book, i was equally as impressed by her talents. he Book whilst quite compact, beautifully presents some very strong and memorable images.

This is yet another in a spectacular series of Phaidon 55 books devoted to some of the most important photographers of our time. This terse volume on Mary Ellen Mark's work includes all of her major documentary photography essays, ranging from her landmark series on homeless teens in Seattle, featuring Tiny, the waifish prostitute she'd befriend, to circus performers in India and Mexico. Indeed her work truly demonstrates her strong interest and compassion for people, depicting homeless Americans, Irish Tinkers (Gypsies) and India's impoverished masses with much interest and empathy for each of her subjects. This splendid book truly captures the immense breadth and depth of Ms. Mark's work. For years I have greatly admire her work and am pleased that some of her finest images are available now in this inexpensive book. Photographer and writer Charles Hagen has a superb introductory essay on Ms. Mark and her career. Without question, this fine volume is an exceptional introduction to Mary Ellen Mark and her critically acclaimed documentary photography.

I read about the Phaidon 55S series in Popular Photography and thought I would check out the volume on Mary Ellen Mark. I have been drawn to her photographs for years and had recently seen an exhibition of her work in NYC. She has Walker Evan's gift for capturing moments in people's lives and she finds the life beyond the smile or grimace of the subject.Her subjects are lively and a bit wicked at times, but there is supreme truth in her photographs. This series gets its title from the fact that each book has 55 photos by the subject. The price is excellent for someone who wants to collect some great art for a low price. Great introduction to a talented artist....highly recommended.

Summary: These black-and-white images are produced on wonderful paper and with great quality. They explore the underlying human qualities we all share. The work is introduced by a Maya Angelou poem, and is concluded by an excellent essay in which Ms. Mark explains her work. Her subjects are mostly people of the economic and social underclasses as they pursue their hopes and dreams, while dealing with their day-to-day problems. Viewing these photographs will draw you closer to people who, on the surface, are quite different from you. The models are often captured over time and in alternative settings to help explain their lives and personalities.

Content Caution: The images in this book contain a few involving minor female nudity that would earn its contents an R rating if it were a motion picture.

Review:

"I note the obvious differences

in the human family."

" . . . but we are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike." -- Maya Angelou

The theme of this poem nicely captures the focus of this book of loving photographic images. As Ms. Mark says, "I much prefer to photograph people I care about." She wants to "build a rapport with my subjects." In studying them, "I am guided by what moves and surprises me." That final element will affect you as well. Too often, we mentally pass by those around us. Ms. Mark's images make us want to reach out with our hearts and minds.

The book shows people from all parts of America over the period from 1963 through 1999. The photographs portray all kinds of races, creeds, colors, and political and sexual persuasions. Ideas that you may not like are portrayed involving people you will probably find appealing. That juxtaposition of people and issues will cause you to rethink how you relate to others. It will probably make you more modest and humble, and that's good. Special themes involve the mentally ill, twins, homelessness, beauty contests, political rallies, and families over time.

My favorite images in the book are as follows:

Santa Claus at Lunch, New York City, 1963;

Marky Mark concert, Jersey City, New Jersey, 1993;

Hot Tub, West Orange, New Jersey, 1999;

Bodybuilder, Daytona Beach, Florida, 1991;

Russell, Kansas, 1986;

Mary Frances in the tub, Ward 81, Salem, Oregon, 1976;

Jail, Houston, Texas, 1977;

Husband and wife, Harland County, Kentucky, 1971;

Jesse Damm, Llano, California, 1994;

Hurstie Laxton after the flood, St. Louis, Missouri, 1993;

Million Youth March, New York City, 1998;

Lakiesha, South Dallas, Texas, 1988;

Clinton Albright and his father, Santa Clarita, California, 1982;

Nightclub off of Highway 61, Michigan, 1991;

Vashira and Tashira Hargrove, twins, H.E.L.P. Shelter, Suffolk, New York, 1993; and

Tiny, pregnant, Seattle, Washington, 1985.

After you see these photographs, you will probably agree with Ms. Mark that she has been on "a long and blessed journey" that has opened her heart and ours.

Seeing these photographs should encourage you to become acquainted with people you see who you would normally not think to speak to. Try living that way for a day. If you enjoy the experience, keep on going -- taking it . . . one day at a time.

Find the common ground . . . wherever you go!

I was fortunate enough to see the exhibition of these photographs at the International Center of Photography a few days ago. If you can, go to see the show before it closes. If you can't, buy this book and get a glimpse at the power of a photograph.

Though no expert, I enjoy the art of photography. I am particularly interested in portraits of real people. Mary Ellen Mark has the ability to capture people with extra-ordinary depth and feeling. Almost without fail, her images are moving. With a skill beyond the normal artist, however, her images have the ability to be thought-provoking.

Consider a photo labelled "Aryan Nations, Hayden Lake, Idaho, 1986." Three pleasant-looking, smiling women--the cherubic face of the woman on the far right particularly draws the eye--set in counterpoint to their white supremacist garb. Or consider the series of photographs of Tiny who has clearly experienced many things in her life but who face, amazingly, holds the same soul in each image. Or consider the contrast between the photographs of Julie d'Aquili and Cynthia Galves despite their similar poses. Julie is a healthy young woman but her somber expression stands out starkly against the cancer-ridden Cynthia who still manages a smile.

I believe that I could write something about every single photograph in this collection. Let me instead just say that these photographs will grip you and hold your attention for hours. You will come back to them again and again. And, unlike reproductions of paintings in a book, photographs do not suffer from the process nearly as much. I would encourage anyone with an interest in photography to take a look at this book.

As a 21 year old gay man, it is heartwarming and touching to see a such a beautiful coffee table book dedicated to portraying gay men positively and humanely, in addition to giving me hope that a long-term relationship can exist in a circuit/club/Abercrombie gay world. The stories of men who have been together for 10, 20, 30 + years are not only inspiring, but well written and accompanied with stunning black and white photos. However, while there was a considerable effort (and a good one at that!) to include a range of HIV positive and negative couples and while there were are three black men and possibly one Latino, I would have liked to have seen more gay men of color. I know there are Asian, Native American, and more Latino gay men in committed relationships, so it would have been nice to have them represented. Overall, it's a wonderful book and contribution to the GLBT community and worth buying--if anything, I just wish it were longer, so that it could include more diversity.

My partner and I are two of the subjects (or is it ONE of the subjects?) of this book. Andy Jones has shown great perception in his interpretation of the interview that we gave and his pen has told 29 very different stories with charm and wit. David Fields black & white photography is stunning and dramatic.

Althouh I'm gay, I still believe in love, married and family. This book show that these things are possible for gay couples. Some people always think of gay men as feminine-type of guy who like to act as women and running for every good-lookig guy on a street. This book will give readers more understanding in gay people.

Like one of the other reviewers on this page, I grew up without positive Gay role models, and it took decades for me to learn self-respect. This book reminds us that well-adjusted Gay couples can be found throughout our culture, something that's important for young Gay people to learn and for older Gay people to remain aware of.

I'm lucky enough to be acquainted with one of this book's subjects, Steve Langley of Washington, and I have a lot of respect for the choice he and his partner have made to be included. It's a beautiful book.

I gave this book to my mother when my partner and I decided to have a commitment ceremony. Mom was having trouble understanding and didn't seem to recognize our commitment to each other as equally valid to straight marriages. After she read the book, she sent my partner a HUGE bouquet of flowers and a card telling him she was so pleased that he was going to become an "official" part of our family!

From the equipment used to take the shots in this book to the actual location of the models and light sources in each photo, this book is a perfect place to tap into. It will help you get some good fashion shots and/or spawn some really creative ideas on the readers end. A good buy for the fashion photographer or the aspiring one! Happy reading :)

From the equipment used to take the shots in this book to the actual location of the models and light sources in each photo, this book is a perfect place to tap into. It will help you get some good fashion shots and/or spawn some really creative ideas on the readers end. A good buy for the fashion photographer or the aspiring one! Happy reading :)

Look behind the scenes. From the film used to the thoughts of the photographer. Excellent resource for photographers no mather if you're a pro, you always learn new things.

Fashion Shots is a book that includes many different lighting situations in a clear layout. I like the book for this, because its imformative and fun to read at the same time. If your interested in fashion photography, this is definetely a book to consider.

From the equipment used to take the shots in this book to the actual location of the models and light sources in each photo, this book is a perfect place to tap into. It will help you get some good fashion shots and/or spawn some really creative ideas on the readers end. A good buy for the fashion photographer or the aspiring one! Happy reading :)

this is a beautiful book. I could sit for hours looking at the pictures and wishing I could be there. Not only are the photos lovely, but there are bibliographic notes so that you can read more about what you are seeing in the photos. That seemed the most valuable to me, giving one a chance to learn more about this fascinating ruins.

This is in every way a splendid book. The photographs are superb, and present a well-chosen selection of the world's great archeological sites. The one-column authoritative descriptions are a bonus. Don't ignore the historical introduction or the hilarious jottings from the photographer, Georg Gerster. It all brings back so many memories.

The pictures are spectacular, giving you another perspective on nearly every major monument throughout the world. Also is provided a brief history of the monument and what archaeologists believe was the main purpose of it. Great book - highly recommend it to anyone

If you want to review the wonder of human kind's imprint on the earth, enjoy this book. If you want to wonder at the uses of the earth's treasures to show creativity and genius spend time with this book. That these architectural remains can be seen from the air in entirety is made possible by Georg Gerster's incredible artistry.

Exceeded expectations. The views were unexpectedly revealing, and the written descriptions of each view were also unexpectedly revealing.

Loved this book beautiful expression of love . Anyone with any pet will appreciate and love this book . A GREAT gift book ! Bonus. Mark from Peaceful Valley Donkeys has a wonderful picture of him lying with donkeys, the most amazing animals ever !!

Jill is a photographer who truly understands the importance and therapeutic value of a person's closeness with their pet(s). It shows in her work and in her writing. Bonding with another living creature, not a human, is something really special. Thanks, Jill, a beautifully illustrated and sensitive book.

Jill Fineberg, a successful professional photographer recently retired to New Mexico, assembled this collection of portraits that illustrate the unique bond people can have with the animals that share their lives. Not all of the subjects by any means are actually asleep with their pets (I don't really see how one could sleep with a gecko or scorpion anyway) but many of the shots display a no less remarkable level of intimacy and trust, for example the dust jacket illustration of a man balancing bareback on his horse, or the couple posing with their lion and tiger. The pictures are followed by the frequently touching stories of their subjects and an afterword about the proven health benefits of having animals around. Fineberg shows us that in reaching out to creatures not like ourselves we can only become more human. The only regret one can feel perusing this charming collection is that the book as a whole could not have been larger, to present the frequently beautiful photos in more detail.

Books are important when they push a paradigm shift to a point of clear recognition. It so helps to have two hunded photographs to make such a solid case for the profound relationship people and animals share. For many this will be an aha ... and a happy one. Jill Fineberg knows the depth of such relationships and therefor her keen eye knows who and where to go to get real evidence of these bonds. The book sat on the altar of my cats recent demise and now is a coffee table joy for all the visitors who stop in.

PEOPLE I SLEEP WITH?! The title and an eye-catching dust jacket cover should make you stop and look at this book at least twice. when you pick it up and turn the pages, you'll discover that photographer and writer Jill Fineberg loves animals. Hers sleep on her bed. So she took her camera and pen and went looking for other folks who loved their four-legged and feathered friends as much as she did. Then she photographed the people and their animals-or maybe the animals and their people, judging from the book's title--at their most intimate and vulnerable moments-sound asleep together. The result? A tender, funny, warm, and loving set of essays and absolutely stunning black-and-white photos called PEOPLE I SLEEP WITH. I don't want to describe too much for you--except to say that in this tender document of peoples' relationships to their animals, each photo has an essay telling something about the person and the animal in the picture. Many make you laugh. Others make you think. Some wrench your gut. But if you're an animal lover like me, or a photographer, or both, Man (Woman) or (Child), you gotta have this one. PEOPLE I SLEEP WITH is a teriffic coffee table book.

Bill Wrights' PEOPLE'S LIVES is a straightforward approach that uses photography to show that our skins may be different colors, and our cultures may be diverse, but we are all tied together as members of the same humanity. Bill Wright is a photographer that shows us the world without making us voyeurs. His photographs invite us to have a clear understanding of our part in the family of man.

Bill Wright is an exceptional talent. His photographs celebrate the strength, courage, joy and hope of humanity. Mr. Wright's travels have taken him just about everywhere from Nepal to New York City. His images reveal an intimate view of the extra ordinary folks he encounters along the way.

A beautifully simple and simply beautiful book. Wonderfully seen photographs that really do capture and celebrate the human spirit. So many other photography books seem to be published solely to be jarring, hip, and fashionable. People's Lives stands out from this crowd as genuine, authentic, and mostly, just plain real. Well worth the price of admission to this more gentle view of our world.

Bill Wright's latest book is his best to date. Once you open the book, start looking at the beautiful images and read the text, you will become so engrossed you will not be able to put it down until you have read every page and studied every picture. With so many things happening in the world that are so negative, this book is extremely uplifting. Wright's book is a testament that the human spirit is alive and well and thriving everywhere...........you just have to look for it.

Bill Wright's wonderful photographs and commentary have a unique abilty to draw the reader/viewer into an emotional attachment to his subjects. I've yet to see one that didn't make me think, "I'd like to know this person."

A lot of detailed information, including actual photos of surgery techniques. Personal statements from FTM's were very helpful and good reading + information.

This book helped me to make the most important decision of my life. It was imformative and explained some things in detail that I was never told..even by my Dr.

I am so impressed with the accessibility to the reader who may have no knowledge or may have a faulty perception of this special group of people which has never been presented to the public in this wholistic way...beginning with the excellent personal writing and fine-art museum quality photographs by the author, to the courageous "before" pictures and poignant, varied statements of many other FTM's. And this is what seems so ground-breaking: there also are writings by physicians, therapists, historians, politicians, family members and "straight" friends, all of whom congregate to comprise a phenomenal, diverse community of expertise and information not only for the initiated, but for the uninformed socially inquisitive as well.
All other books I have seen on similar subjects seem to be "vanity" publications, with a much narrower audience possibility, in which I don't feel welcome!
This one is so rich and complete, it could be 3 or 4 books: for the members of the extended FTM community, for the documentary fine-art photography connoisseur and collector, as a text for clinicians and physicians, and for the autobiographical writer. I recommended it to the University
librarian, my minister, a gallery owner and my Mother!

I have a friend who is documented in the book. I am a totally boring hetrosexual male without a hint of mystery to my sexuality and was blown away by the feelings and photos and personal stories portrayed in this book.

Dean Kotula, in his book, Phallus Palace, argues that "what is common to all transsexuals and what distinguishes them from other sexual minorities is an aversion toward or awkwardness with one's genitals and a desire for sex-assignment surgery" (xx). More specifically, a differentiating aspect of Phallus Palace is its foregrounding of transition (surgical reassignment surgery from one sex to the other) as the central characteristic of transsexuals. Kotula supports his argument in part by: 1) speaking from his own experiences as a female to male transsexual; 2) gathering support from contributing authors, including Katherine Rachlin, Ph.D. and interviewed subject, Milton Diamond, Ph.D.; and 3) presenting the stories of several other FTMs. Kotula's purpose is to make clear the difference between transsexuals and transgender people in order to reaffirm that while they have been born in female bodies, transsexual men are indeed male, and to reaffirm their desires and need for surgery. In addition, Kotula's text is also concerned with educating and encouraging transsexual men, but also their allies to advocate for more, better scientific research, as well as improved surgical outcomes.

Katherine Rachlin's essay, "FTM 101: Dispelling Myths About the Invisible and the Impossible" nicely presents the misinformation in scientific literature that has skewed the knowledge base on FTMs. Specifically, Rachlin points to the way in which particular framings of research and particular research questions lead to findings that are shaped in specific, biased/limited ways (reminiscent of Kath Weston's introductory chapter in her 1998 book Long Slow Burn: Sexuality and Social Sciences).

Particularly interesting is Rachlin's assertion that "most [FTMs] do not become actively interested in changing their body and living in their chosen role until they learn that it is possible. Most report that the wish was always there, but without the belief that it was possible, they did not attempt to actualize their potential" (10). Phallus Palace is certainly a book that could not only introduce the possibility of (surgical) transition to FTMs, but also fortify the conviction of those considering undergoing surgery. In fact, Kotula's "Conversation with Milton Diamond" and its demystification of surgery and of some of the issues surrounding and processes leading up to surgery further acts as a resource and reaffirmation for those seeking surgery; as does "Part Four: The Surgeries" which provides interviews with doctors who perform sex-assignment surgeries, as well as detailed photos of such surgeries.

Personally, I'm skeptical of any assertion touting homogeneity of a group of people, as Kotula seems to do in regards to FTMs and their relationship to sex-assignment surgery. Also, I wish that other dimensions of difference (e.g., race, class, nationality) took an integral part within Phallus Palace's discussion of sex-assignment surgery. (I do have to give props, though, to Diane Ellaborn's essay, "Seeking Manhood: An Introductory Guide to Assessment of the Female-to-Male Adolescent" for its attention to age and the issue of transsexual youth.) Still, whether for trans scholars who may or may not agree with Kotula's narrow definition of FTMs, FTMs exploring their surgical options, or those with a general interest in LGBT Studies, Phallus Palace is a text worth glancing. (Besides, it isn't overly dense, and for some could be a relatively quick read.)

The art of Pierre et Gilles shows beauty, sensual, intimate, contemporary and quality works made for two individuals that becomes an author in a perfect union. They create fantastic worlds with photography and paint. Their works talks about their dreams, lifes, obsessions, pleasures, pains, loves, friends, interests. They shows a unncommon vision of the contemporary world through topics related to religion, sexuality, mithology, personalities, and their own lifes. This is one of the most beautiful art books ever made, every single detail have been realized carefully.

The art of Pierre et Gilles shows beauty, sensual, intimate, contemporary and quality works made by two individuals that becomes an author in a perfect union. They create fantastic worlds with photography and paint. Their works talks about their dreams, lifes, obsessions, pleasures, pains, loves, friends, interests. They shows a unncommon vision of the contemporary world through topics related to religion, sexuality, mithology, personalities, and their own lifes. Even like an object, this is one of the most beautiful art books ever made, every single detail have been realized carefully.

The art of Pierre et Gilles shows beauty, sensual, intimate, contemporary and quality works made for two individuals that becomes an author in a perfect union. They create fantastic worlds with photography and paint. Their works talks about their dreams, lifes, obsessions, pleasures, pains, loves, friends, interests. They shows a unncommon vision of the contemporary world through topics related to religion, sexuality, mithology, personalities, and their own lifes. This is one of the most beautiful art books ever made, every single detail have been realized carefully.

The photography of Pierre and Gilles is absolutly fantastic. This makes a stunning coffee table book.

Pierre et Gilles set a new standard when it comes to their combination of photograpy and painting. No wonder photographers like David La Chappelle try to knock off their style (imitation is the highest form of flattery). I found this massive coffee table book to be thorough, entertaining, titillating, and funny. I would recommend it to anyone interesting in modern "pop" art and portrait photography. The imagination of these two is priceless as is this collection of their work.

Not that more to say than the title... This book contains many great photos made by a master, and the print quality makes justice to them (well, to confirm another review, there is one image that went too far on the reds, and has a deceptive burnt look - while many are great, and the splitND use is far more unobtrusive than Rowell's eg, with due respect ;o).
Page layout is more conservative than in other Muench books I have (I think to Primal Forces, great images but layout on the kitsch side), and that suits me well.

This is the first David Muench book that i've purchased and because of the beautiful photos inside it will not be my last.

Besides the several landscape books from Muench, I have collected quite a few other landscape books from other famous photographers. By far, this is the one I like most (together with one by Apse called "New Zealand Landscape"). The photos in the book fully demonstrate that one can always breathe new life to old scenes with enough skill, perception and perseverence.

This is a gorgeous book of southwest photographs. It has many examples of how to take great photographs. An interesting feature is the photographers comments about each photograph, found in the back of the book. There are only a few flaws in my humble view. Some of the photographs were printed with very exagerated color saturation. This is painful in some cases. Another problem is Mr. Muench's use of a split density magenta filter for several of the photographs. He tries to give the scenes a warm glow but the magenta color looks totally fake, especially when one sees it only across the top of the photograph. Please throw that split density magenta filter away and let the southwest present its beauty naturally. Still a great and valuable book to own.

This book offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado plateau. The full-page color photos are so incredibly vivid they almost jump off the page. It really makes you feel like you are there.

You get a look at towering mountains & magnificent nature made stone sculptures. Cascading waterfalls, meandering steams, peaceful snowscapes, brilliant autumn leaves, beautiful flowers & endless skies take your breath away.

Muench is a master at capturing detail and light, and this setting shows off his talent to the maximum. A narrative by James Lawrence provides a history of the area and conveys the feelings inspired by this natural wonderland.

Some images have small quotes & poems under them. In the back, each photo is shown in miniature with comments from photographer and technical details. This book provides a beautiful world to get lost in.

I have visited the Big Bend more than two dozen times over more than that many years and have never found a book that captured the land and the people as well as this one by Bill Wright. I remember years ago searching for something like this. I could only find a photo book of the canyons back then but this is a book with much greater depth and it did not stop at just the geological. Wright does a top notch job of introducing the wild characters who inhabit the spaces between mountain and desert; the ones who live on the sand road that goes back behind the mesa. You won't regreat adding this book to your home library.

I live in the greater Big Bend area; and, was surprised to discover my newest neighbors were Bill and Alice Wright. Bill's reputation is that of a great photographer; but, it will become immediately apparent to you when you read this book, that Bill is a great story teller. You will not soon lay this book down, nor forget the colorful stories revealed in his experiences of the Big Bend area.

This fine book will give the reader a good look and feel for the Big Bend of Texas.

Although I am a native Texan, I have never visited Big Bend. Through the author's experiences with the people he met along the way, Big Bend has become more than the awesome pictures. I'm planning a trip. Bill Wright is a wonderful writer as well as photographer - I hope there are more books to come. Sounds as if he has travelled the world.

Photographer and writer Bill Wright comes from the West Texas town of Abilene: roughly eight hours drive at a steady seventy from his beloved Big Bend National Park. In Texas that, along with the fact that he's been visiting the park since childhood, pretty much makes him a local.

Texas has a considerable modern history, quite apart from it's more ancient nomadic inhabitants, and Wright maintains a consciousness of this in his travels through these southern borderlands of the USA. Passport controls do indeed exist at the border bridges into Mexico, along with stern warnings that it is illegal for Texans to carry guns into the neighbouring country, but the border patrols continue for nearly sixty miles across the desert into the USA with major checkpoints ocurring at the towns of Marfa and Marathon. The area South of these checkpoints, where Wright's portraits were made, are known as The Badlands and have been for the past 150 years.

Put simply Wright has an abundance of curiosity, the essential requirement of the documentary photographer; and a considerable degree of patience in the fact that he only really began making this book after a lifetime of visits. Be he visiting with the photographer Etta Koch, writing about "Crazy" Angie, who apparently isn't and operates the theatre at Terlingua Ghost Town, or photographing the rancher Buck Newsome, the white hat line on whose forehead clearly explaining how his life has been spent, Wright, while mentioning the people he was with and the details of the trip, never puts himself over the people or places he introduces to his readers. The border in West Texas might be described as permeable, with several unguarded but regularly used fords exisiting along the river. One such ford exists at a place called Lajitas, today a resort town bought lock stock and barrel by a billionaire and now boasting "the world's only international golf course", but Bill Wright digs deeper under the surface harking back to the time when the ford was an important crossing on the trail from Mexico city to the Spanish province of Nueva Viscaya. He remarks upon the "politically constructed" nature of the border between the States and their Southern neighbour, and the fact that locals continue to move freely across the Rio Grande even to this day. In an aside his thoughts wander to the realisation that where in the past Texas Rangers patrolled these areas, to keep international cattle rustling to a minimum, today the trade is reversed and the border patrols and enforcement agencies are more concerned with preventing the importation of illegal drugs. But for the local populace life continues much the same and Spanish remains the predominant language.

In many ways the story as a whole is about Wright and his experiences, but more about the manner in which the place molded him over the years than any form of personal recollection. For Texas is very much about the land. He has been absolutely true to his subjects and in this book he presents that very rare sort of travelogue that will be enjoyed by visitors, people who only ever visit far flung lands from the comfort of their own living rooms, and especially the residents of the Big Bend itself; who will understand.