Portraits and Photos Books

At 6'0' 185lbs of muscle, Sansone was a good example of aesthetics, health and fitness for men to aspire to, unlike the 5'9", 275 lb behemoths common to bodybuilding today.

Next to the photographs of Sansone shown here, much of today's male photography seems crude or overly "artful" [that is, with the setting as important as - and sometimes more important than - the figure itself]. Whoever Tony Sansone was when not posing - the total person, I mean, in all his complexity - the images he left us and given us here have, for me, a very moving un-selfconsciousness. There seems to be no effort whatsoever made to be alluring, provocative, "sexy", or particularly erotic. He stands there quite openly, ingenuously, a man gifted with great beauty of face and form and innate grace of movement as well, his sense of line surpassing that of many classically trained dancers. He presents us his beauty and grace as a gift to be enjoyed. It is done with great simplicity and - I have to say, at least for me - with what seems to be genuine innocence. And it is this sense of innocence that I find so very moving - even as much as his beauty is moving. There are many books full of images of beautiful men. I have found none that have Sansone's touching simplicity and, I am tempted to say, purity. This is indeed a rare book - in this or in any genre!

John Massey has created a genuine monument, a beautiful and remarkable book about a beautiful and remarkable man. It seems strange to apply "beautiful" to a man, but in the case of Tony Sansone it's the perfect word. The astounding collection of photos included in this sumptuously designed volume reveal all aspects of Sansone's near-perfect anatomy. They are rare nude poses showing not only the well-muscled landscape of Sansone's body, but the details of his classically handsome face and, who could fail to notice, his well-proportioned genitals. Many of the photos, especially those by the famous Edwin Townsend of New York, are true works of art, reproduced with painstaking fidelity in this book. Massey's biographical treatment reflects extensive research and diligent attention to detail. His clear, concise style presents a straightforward and uncomplicated view of Sansone. As the author implies, there was a complicated personality hidden behind the bold nudeness of this American Adonis. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the true sculptural beauty of the human body and the story of a pioneer of modern physical culture.

John Massey in a herculean work of original research has rescued both a significant figure in the history of the emergence of public gay culture in America in the early 20th century, Tony Sansone, and his photographer, Edwin Townsend, both of whom were on the verge of being completely forgotten. This book is a notable contribution to the history of gay culture and art and deserves to be in any comprehensive collection of such materials. It is beautifully produced by Universal, an affiliate of Rizzoli, and was printed in Italy. The book will be at home on the most sophisticated gay and gay friendly coffee tables, not that the book is overtly gay, even with all the beautiful full frontal nudes of one of the most idolized body builders in the history of the sport.

Tony Sansone is important because he circulated in fascinating intersecting circles which existed in the early 20th century in New York and Hollywood. Born the son of poor Italian immigrants in Brooklyn, by sheer grit Tony rose to become a protege of the powerful publisher Bernarr Macfadden, one of the wealthiest men in America and even once a candidate for president.
Through Macfadden and his famous bodybuilding exhibitions at Madison Square Garden he met Charles Atlas, who became a friend and fan. By his late teens Tony was stepping into the worlds of art, theater, bodybuilding, and moviedom.

None other than Gertrude Whitney facilitated his career and used him as a model as did other lesser scuptors of the period. Sculptures from these associations are still held in the Whitney Museum of American Art's collections. David Belasco, the flamboyant theater producer who was one of the most significant figures in the golden age of Broadway in the 1920s and 1930s, picked up Tony to play the semi-nude role of a demon in an opulent and phantasmogoric production of Mimi, more or less a staging of Dante's Hell as a paradigm for modern industrialization. Edwin Townsend, a fashion photographer who also did portraits of many leading artists of the period, discovered Tony in this production and asked him to model.

A series of booklets of nudes of Tony were published from this association which quickly become collectors items among the underground cognoscenti. Due to the laws of the times, these portraits were meticulously airbrushed. But photographs of Tony in all his glory were also produced and squirreled away unknown and unseen by generations of admirers and collectors of male erotica. It is these photographs which John Massey has uncovered. These works were an artistic collaboration between the photographer and model. Their serious intent still reverberates in the 21st century.

Tony also was picked up for a Hollywood role where he was associated with many stars who are still household names, but the movies were not his thing. He returned to New York, opened as series of gyms, and did his modeling and publishing. He was a lifelong habitue of the famous Washington Baths in Coney Island, New York another of whose other patrons was Paul Cadmus and a circle of New York artists and theater people.

He and his wife Rita, also a child of Italian immigrants and physical fitness aficionado, worked with poor children on physical fitness in their declining years. He died in his 80s shortly after Rita did.

American Adois is a glimpse into a glamorous, erotic, monied, and fascinating world which touched on many facets of culture which only something as sexually charged as bodybuilding can do. That world still exists and in the career of Tony Sansone we see the paradigm worked out. John Massey has done a masterful job of piecing together this complex but highly intriguing story from rare and previously unknown materials. What stories he certainly he must have yet to tell us which he could not include in this book.

Rarely do I write reviews but I felt compelled to with this book. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in celebrating the beauty of the nude male physique. I discovered pictures of Tony Sansone a few years back on website of vintage muscle men and was immediately taken by his classical beauty--he stood out among the many other images. Needless to say, I was thrilled to discover this book and it did not disappoint. Tony has the one of the most perfectly symmetrical bodies that I have ever seen, and it is showcased beautifully throughout the book with a plethora of tasteful and classical nude poses that are pleasure to look upon. Tony appears so comfortable with himself and the camera that it makes the images all the more appealing.
As the pictures are from the early part of the 20th century, I also thoroughly enjoyed the way in which the photographer captured Tony. And though the images are not paritcular homoerotic, I did not find this to be a negative, actually I found it a refreshing respite from the Abercrombie style homoeroticism that most books in the genre love to portray. In the end, all I can say is you are sure to enjoy this book if you appreciate classic Roman/Greco beauty.

This book has some incredible photos. it would have been nice to have a bit more description but the photos look great.

Beautifully photographed portraits of wearers of tattoos and body markings in many locations around the world.
A must for the library of anyone interested in the topic.

Ancient Marks contains absolutely stunning photography. It was great to see some rock markings from Western Aus. This book delievered way more than i expected. It is so beautiful i was wasnt sure how to turn the pages without touching them and getting marks all over them. I was absolutely blown away at the quality
Great stuff

This is truly a wonderful book. Rainier's other book, "Where Masks Still Dance: New Guinea" was fabulous in its presentation and images, but this book goes one better with a dvd enhanced with music by Anoushka Shankar which can be viewed on its own. The music perfectly complements the starkness of the haunting images. Tattoos,scarification, and other bodily modifications of many cultures are showcased here without calling unecessary attention to these adornments as bizarre/freakish as in some other books which are designed to shock/titillate.

I bought this book as a gift for my girlfriend but stole it back. It isn't all about tattoos, which it may lead you to believe, but includes bits about all types of body modification techniques. The photographer is a well known National Geographic photographer, and his work certainly doesn't fail here. Good coffee table book if you have stuck up inlaws like I do that would be made uncomfortable by the sight of it.

I would recommend this book to anybody, words don't even begin to describe what these pictures make you feel.

I love to give some of these pics away as gifts, because they capture so many different situations, and I can usually find a photograph that suits a friend at a specific point in time. Love it!! Great gift!!!

These photographs will bring you joy beyond what five stars can express.

Bertram Bahner, who is Kim Anderson, has created an amazing collection here that will inspire you to see the world afresh, and take heart.

You are familiar with his work, because it is everywhere, but the combined effect of seeing 240 of his best will overwhelmingly free your heart.

The classic Kim Anderson shot has children around age 3-4 wearing adult clothes (sort of like dress-up) in an adult pose, with simple props (like a single rose), in a black and white image with muted hand-painted color to highlight key elements of the composition, especially the symbolic ones.

But the best parts of these shots are the expressions of pure joy on the faces and in the eyes of the children. They're having a ball, doing something that should be great pleasure for adults as well. By looking at the images, you can touch (and remain in touch with) a purer part of your heart and soul.

The book is divided into different sections built around a theme. These are first love, thoughts, friendship, let's pretend, little girls, and little boys. Each section is introduced by an essay describing the author's own child or children and impressions of this aspect of childhood. The little boys and little girls essays contain lovely fold-out photographs in their midst.

Here are my most favorite images in the book: Gentleman caller; Sweet surprise; All smiles . . . ; Trespass not on their solitude; Just imagine; Youth dwells in possibility; Once upon a time; Happily ever after; Special delivery; Summer idyll; Elfin damsels; Sitting pretty; and Free spirit. In selecting these photographs, let me observe that these are of extremely high quality -- a level I would call "sublime." If I had chosen the "outstanding" photographs instead, the list would have been much longer. Few of the images in the book are less than interesting and less than meaningfully memorable.

What is most remarkable is the way that Mr. Bahner captures the spirit of his tiny models to match the physical moment portrayed. "The emotion is perfect."

He began by photographing his 3 year old daughter, Nicole, playing with her friends. Later he added his son. Eventually, other children joined the process. I am positively in awe of his ability to work with the children to create such effortlessly appealing and fascinating images from their play. The concept of adding handpainting to create greater imagery is also brilliant.

Regardless of your taste in photography, you will find this collection to be very rewarding. I recommend this book to everyone who likes portrait photography.

After you finish enjoying these images, focus on what goes through your mind when you find yourself in these situations that steals the joy away from you. Then imagine having a giant mental eraser and eliminating those thoughts, so you can be more in touch with your inner self -- your original perceptions of the wonder and joy of the the world.

Live in pure joy, using these images as your guide!

After viewing this book, I was touched greatly at the preciousness of children. They are an amazing gift and expressed wonderfully in this book. I highly recommend it and think the photography is phenominal.

In his book, Kim presents an amazing selection of handpainted photos. If you are a hobbist who wants to take some ideas, or if you like Kim's art (which you probably have seen in many postals) or if you just want to see some beautiful and inspiring photos, I STRONGLY recommend this book.

What a great book! I actually am a lover of Paris and photography, and of course who can resist a dog, let alone two? I really hope the authors make this into a series, maybe London, Florence, Venice? The book reads like a childrens book, but the target audience does seem to be aimed at adults. Whomever reads this book, it's enjoyable and one of my favorites!

This book is a charmer. The pictures are delightful and some are hilarious. It is a perfect gift for anyone who (1) is a dog lover and (2) has a sense of humor. They did a wonderful and creative job.

Being a good friend of the family, you can see how hard Malyszko and Huges have worked on this terrific book. The photographs are sure to go down as wonderful photos and the short poems are nice and 'crisp'. If you want a fantastic book to look at, read, learn a little French, or just have on a coffee table for guests to marvel over,this is it! It is a splendid and interesting book. I highly recommend it!

This book was a gift from a friend who knows our love for dogs and Paris. My wife had just returned from the city of lights to our four "children" when the book arrived. What a delightful remembrance of the city seen trhough the keen photographic eye of Michael Maylszko. The text is complementary to a fault. A truely seamless product.

This should be enjoyed by anyone who understands the mind of a dog or who has been to Paris. It will be especially pleasing to those who appreicate both

The dogs on their own are adorable, the words on their own are wonderful, the sights of Paris are beautiful - but put them all together in this lovely book and you get the dreamy package that is "Betty & Rita Go to Paris". Excellent work! I look forward to Betty & Rita's next adventure.

The book is in beautiful condition and got here in a timely manner. Very pleased with this transaction.

Stark ,haunting photographs by Helmut Newton of women. Not sexual exploitation but tribute to forceful and strong women like Gayle Olinekova and Lisa Lyon. The women confront the viewer with their nudity. There is a type of eroticism that permeates the photographs that draws you in yet makes you feel like a voyeur. A great conversation table book.

The only reason I did not give this book the full five stars is because I feel there was more of a sameness to this selection of photographs than is true of most of Helmut Newton's work. This "sameness" is of uniformly high quality, exhibiting the inventiveness and playful sequences characteristic of his images. On one page, a group of stylishly attired women appear in stationary or moving poses; on the next page, the same women in the same pose appear nude. Newton has a taste for this sort of dress/undress contrast, as he does for incongruous assemblages: a woman lying in the midst of seaweed thrown about by incoming waves on the beach; another nude lying on an expensive fur coat, while sprawled on the lawn; cords tied in a pattern across the torso of a woman gesturing with her arm in a bodybuilder's pose. Occasionally, Newton produces a truly outstanding photograph, even relative to his own standards; such an example is that of a woman caught mid-breath as she inhales cigarette smoke. The sensuality of this is immediately present on viewing, catching the reader/viewer's eye irrespective of the less-than-appealing reality of smoking.

All of these photographs are in black and white, all of the women are Caucasian, and all appear in attire and settings that suggest wealth and ease. In this respect, Big Nudes is similar to another of his collections, White Women. The photography is always of the highest order, and the selection of nudes is not of the cookie-cutter "perfection" that so often fills the volumes of this genre.

This is a book worth viewing and having, especially if you are fond of Newton's work.

This spectacular collection presents a series of photos from 1979-1981. All of them show similar views of the models: nude (except for high heels), strong, and as comfortable wearing only their own beauty as when they wear anything else. Each pose seems almost confrontational - except that the model appears quite aware that you, the viewer, are looking, but just aren't worth her attention. There's no scale in these images, but I can't imagine any of the models being less than 180cm tall. They cast that much presence, irrespective of actual size.

You might argue the claim that all the photos show nudes. There are many picture-pairs of the models fully clothed on the left-hand page and unclothed on the right, in the same pose. Even these clothed images are really about the figure, though. Seeing the woman herself makes me look back at the fashion photos, and pay that much more attention to the figure that the fashions enclose.

I especially like the fact that Newton glorifies figures as they are. Sylvia (the cover model) and Brescia, for example, show physical features that aren't very fashionable right now, and that some might "fix" with cosmetic surgery. Wrong. These are beautiful women, period. Any flaws lie in the standard to which they might be held, not in their stunning figures. I fault Newton only for excluding non-European features and skin tones from this collection. The esthetic choice is his, of course, but those omissions weaken the whole. Not a lot, though - this book is still a necessity for any collection of figure photography.

-- wiredweird

Helmut was a genius. I feel qualified to say this because I once had the honor of being his assistant. Standing next to Helmut while he shot gave me little clue as to how his pictures became so signature.. This book is more of his clever self, the subjects are the most beautiful women in the world... wearing nothing.. Amazing.

Terrific photo essay on the people that make up good old Brooklyn NY.
This book is a must for all Brooklynites, current and past residents.
It really captures the essence of each individual highlighted, with a
interesting mix of subjects. Highly recommend-

I love this book! It embodies everything Brooklyn. I grew up in upstate New York, didn't visit Brooklyn until I was in my 30s, I fell in love immediately with the sights, sounds and people...there is nothing fake about Brooklyn, it's the real deal. This book not only puts it into words, but amazing portraits of the people that live and work there. It's worth a look.

The care with which these two have crafted this vision of our beloved Brooklyn is evident in every shot and sentence. I went to high school with both of the authors and am in the book. But even if I hadn't and weren't, from half way across the country this book would make me feel like I was back on the block.

Growing up in the nosebleed section of Queens, I always admired Brooklyn from afar. And this incredible book captures it all in verse and image--it's big and brash and bold and beautiful and unabashedly proud. You'll find all the big Brooklynite names profiled here (Spike Lee, Rosie Perez, Jonathan Lethem...) but I think what makes the book so touching is how the authors were able to capture the "real" people who call this place home. In these pages, you find a sense of pride and community that has all but evaporated in the rest of the city...and the country, for that matter. Deserves a spot on your bookshelf or coffee table.

As a native Brooklynite now living beyond the boundaries of Kings County I spend at least half of every day pining away for the comfort, culture and security of this beloved borough. Now I have found an artful and authentic way to bring Brooklyn back to my senses and into my life. Well done.

Earlier this year, I received an invitation to the Aperture Gallery in Manhattan to see an exhibition by Dawoud Bey. I was not familiar with his work, but I was intrigued by the photograph on the invitation, so I went. I was astounded by the larger-than-life portraits that filled the gallery. It was wonderful spending time studying these pictures and then reading the short bios that went with them.

While I was there, I purchased this book based on the exhibit. Like all books that essentially reproduce art, it doesn't have the same impact as the exhibit itself. Something about the large scale of the photographs in the gallery adds something that can't be repeated in book form; however, looking at the pictures and reading the blurbs made it easier for me to take myself back to the gallery. And, even so, the pictures are so well done that they still have a powerful, if different, impact in this book.

My only disappointment in this book was in the two forwards: one by Jock Reynolds and the other by Taro Nettleton. Though they both had insightful things to say about Bey's work, particularly earlier projects of his, they both felt the need to mention a negative critical review of Bey's work by Ken Johnson of the New York Times. I felt this to be unnecessary and distracting. Not that there's no place to counter a critics observations but in a book like this, it came across a defensive--as if the work cannot speak for itself and needs to be defended in advance.

Still, apart from that, this book is wonderful. Creating portraits worth looking at is no easy task, particularly for photographers. Velazquez and Rembrandt were geniuses of portraiture but they had a different kind of skill and a flexibility that Bey does not have available to him when a subject sits in front of the lens. Still, he manages to capture something that, in his best work, I would like to hang next to a Rembrandt.

I saw this book described in Newsweek, and wanted to know more about the photographer and the ideas behind his work. Love this book! It's all about seeing beyond what you assume about other human beings, and coming face to face with the uniqueness of individuals. Hoping to use it as a resource/tool (plus the website, with actual recorded voice-overs) in classroom discussion about stereotypes. Book seemed brand new! Great discount/value.

When a book is published which includes both text and photos - the text usually overtakes the photos; this rare book with text and photos is not one of those usual books. This book's text does not overtake the photos; this speaks to the power of the photos. A must see - - (and a must read).

Brilliant photographs of a diverse section of American high school students accompanied by poignant personal essays. Heady stuff!

Dawoud Bey gives us an opportunity to look on the inside of our kids with their words and his eye. You can't help but be mesmerized by great portraits and the self accounts that these young adults share. Fantastic piece of modern American art.

I am sure Diana,Prncess of Wales did what she did because it came from her heart. Being a doctor I am hesitant to touch people with aids or leprosy or homeless people. She bridged the impossible and was Christ-like to the least of our brethren. I was in London during the funeral when we started the St Therese Centennial Pilgrimage with 40 co-American pilgrims mostly priests or nuns or holy men and women. We were touched by her life and this book said all the things I wanted to express and much more. My life will never be the same and I will be be a better doctor and individual in my service to my patients and family because of DIANA,Princess of Wales. God bless her and her sons. May she rest in PEACE! Dr. Elizabeth Tioleco-Cheng USA

A beautifully produced book by someone who knew her from "Shy Di" to mother, single woman and finally the concerned woman who cared about charities, from landmines to AIDS. Gorgeous photographs of her throughtout her brief glorious life. Not exploitive, but joyful.

This is a beautifully put together book about our Princess. It was produced by someone who she knew and let in her world to photograph the pictures that meant the most to her. The commentary is very well done and shows a loving tribute to someone who deserves to be remembered as probably the best example of goodness in human beings. A book well worth buying and owning. A must for everyone who loved and admired Diana, Princess of Wales.

I had the pleasure of looking through all the Diana photo books in Amazon's warehouse in Seattle. Since they do have the best selection, I am confident that this and the O'mara Diana book offer the finest quality photos of any available. Many of the others contain photos with poor lighting or low resolution.

This is a warm and loving tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. All facets of Diana's life are covered from the time she first blinked into the camera as teenager through her funeral services on September 6, 1997.

The photographer for this book has photographed the Royal Family for twenty-five years and has traveled in over a hundred countries throughout the world with them. The text was written by Tom Corby who has been associated with the Royal Family for about fifteen years. I possess a couple of his books.

These two - Granham and Corby - have assembled a beautiful book which is filled with beautiful and outstanding pictures. All of the pictures are in color. Corby wrote the text to acompany the pictures. This is a great book which any collector of books on the Royal Family should have in his collection. Also, it is great for one who like to read about and look at gorgeous pictures of the late, Diana, Princess of Wales.

This is a hardcover boook which contains 96 pages and measure 91/2x12 inches

In the introduction, the creator of these photographs claims that his works of art are inspired by his dreams.

If these are his dreams, I hate to see his nightmares!

All the models are nude, and are in strange positions: holding bizzare items, draped just so.

Kinda makes you wonder: what will this guy think of next?

A tribal rapture splits our dream state revealing an untouched world of unique erotic forms. This book is a rare glimpse into the mind of John Santerineross, these images will stain your thoughts long after the cover has closed!

metaphors are a way of life and language normal people see the world in a normal way artists see life in a way that changes things...creating parallels between common images, symbolism and the world around us. Few people are able to catch their feelings their emotions their dreams into an image that they can show the rest of the world. John is one of those people. on one hand i am envious of his abilities. on the other i pity him his visions that which drives him to create these images must weigh heavy on his soul. it is the details that make his art so real so moving and so beautiful.

I was anxiously awaiting this title....after purchasing John's first book several years ago...I have hungered for more. This book exceeds my highest expectations!!! John Santerineross has the amazing ability to capture beauty and darkness simultaneously to create images that invoke an emotional response. I am amazed beyond words at the power in his images! I was mesmerized by each image, each detail...every part is hauntingly beautiful.
This book is a MUST HAVE!

Dream is the second book from American art photographer, John Santerineross, and further substantiates his wicked genius that was so rapturously introduced in "Fruit of the Secret God". There is no sense of evolution here; Dream takes off right where "Fruit of the Secret God" left off five years ago. And it screams!

Perusing through the pages of Dream is like entering another world, another dimension of human consciousness. A murky, cavernous realm where nightmares are reality, where Carl Jung sips tea with Freddy Kruger. The naked forms within are showcased as erotic centerpieces that are themselves part of a grander, seemingly more menacing vision. Bodies and body parts, shapes, symbols, and variety of different objects are weaved into a single, sexual tapestry, meant not so much to arouse as to incite.

Few will be able to view these images and not be moved, some may be offended, some excited, others frightened. But for those propitious few mesmerized and capable of looking deep into each portrait, and even deeper within themselves, they might be surprised to discover the most frighteningly original vision of human reality since Hiëronymus Bosch painted his medieval visions of Hell.

Some photographers just seem to embody something organically American in their work. Renaldi's book of ordinary Americans taken with a large format camera, in landscapes of sweeping emptiness and intimate banality, are stunning compositions. He is a portraitist who creates carefully considered little dioramas of human beings in their homes, workplaces and schools.

In a time when many photographers are enamored of digital fakery, Renaldi's expert use of the camera as an instrument of both communication and creativity is inspiring. He is neither ironic nor condescending in his choice of subjects. Nor does he put people up on a pedestal like Bruce Weber. Renaldi's folks are at ease, comfortable and real whether they are behind the restaurant counter, in the barn, standing on the rails, or holding a football behind the high school.

Richard Renaldi's 8x10 camera images allow not only for portraits, but for inclusion of much of the background, so his portraits in FIGURE AND GROUND live up to its promise, blending portrait and straight landscape elements for added impact and attraction. Oversized pages and full-page representations make for a lovely set of eye-catching - and sometimes eye-opening - portraits perfect for college-level art library holdings; especially those strong in modern photography.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

beautiful work, exquisitely printed book.
mr. renanldi captures a special warmth of individuals engaged in their familiar environments.
touching and poignant - a marvelous window onto life as it is experienced on the streets of america.

This is renaldi's first book, and a compilation of his many shows. The photos are captivating. Highly recommend.

Richard Renaldi's photographs of people and landscapes has captured an essential view of what it means to be an American. Visually and emotionally stunning, his is a portayal of people and places in the US that is both unique and recognizable yet is accomplished without judgement - his approach to his subjects, which cuts across the economic spectrum, is sensitive, understanding and reveals their innate human dignity. Although he works with a large format camera, his photography is alive and spontaneous and is reminiscent of work with smaller, faster cameras which demonstrates both his virtuosity and his mastery of the medium. His work enhances the tradition of August Sander, Walker Evans, Robert Frank and others who have sought to visually capture what it means to be human. This is a book by an important new photographer which anyone interested in photography must have. I recommend it highly.