Documentary-Collection Books

You ever get the feeling when you're listening on a lecture in European history that something is missing?

Black Londoners fills in the gap of British history that is rarely, if ever mentioned in textbooks. This book is a pictorial documentary of the black experience in London from the Edwardian period to twentieth century, centering the lives of the black diaspora ranging from arts and entertainment to politics.

The presence of African culture has been prevalent in Britain since ancient times and as Britain's society is more multiracial, historians and the general public are finding new information on the Black experience in Britain for generations to come.

While at once this book is another photo book of perfect specimans of man, there is an undercurrent of feelings. Silent feelings emoting pleasure, pain and anger, love, frustration and beauty. The silent theatre presented here goes beyond the usual photographs of men. The photos themselves are pure and perfect ,but, Mr. Little has managed to pull something else from these images ...emotion. The book itself is very well presented and unusual in it's format. But, it is the pictures and the stories behind them. Using minimal props he has transformed men into voices. We will all find ourselves somewhere in these pages.

Love the work. But perhaps as good is the short autobiography in the back of the book. As a friend of mine described it as an "English truth teller". It is so frank and reveiling about a wonderful life lived.

An exploration of the Indian film industry through photographs was definitely not what I expected when I initially purchased this book, but the beauty and drama of the images, made it worth the cost. This book does NOT contain any relevant information (history, films, etc.) on Bollywood; it's a coffee table book. The photos themselves (of film stars to the mania of the theaters and fans) brilliantly capture the dynamics and glamour of the industry and it's trance-like hold over it's millions (if not billions) of fans!!!

David Perry's photos are very moving. Strong imagery caputured gently. Great text, great concept. Well done. I loved the last book these guys did as well so I am not suprised.

As a displaced native of the Brandywine Valley and a frequent visitor, I found this book to be a delicious portrayal of a unique area. The photography is generous, rich and superb. The reader feels as if he is truly a part of the spectacular rolling hills and historic homes that make the Brandywine a treasure. The text is informative and accurate. After reading this book, one will indeed have an "insider's" view of the region and its special composition of residents, history and natural beauty. Through many years, I have collected several volumes related to the Brandywine Valley. This one is by far my favorite. I have purchased several copies as gifts for friends who cherish the area as much as I, many of whom are long-time residents of the region. They all have related their pleasure and joy with the content of the book. In summation, an excellent effort which I highly recommend. Well done! William Sydnor

Bruce Davidson's "Central Park" is a compelling look at one of the world's most unique urban places. Unlike "Brooklyn Gang" or "Portraits," Davidson shoots his subjects here with a wide-angle panoramic camera. The result is fascinating as the images meld odd angles, distorted bodies and expansive views, and at no point does it come across as cliched or gimmicky. Instead, the photographs are hopeful, intimate, and revealing. Davidson shows us some of the park's secret places, but mostly he has discovered, through his visual explorations, the secret of what makes Central Park an essential part of New York life.

"Coney Island" is a splendid collection of photographer Bruce Gilden's first important fine art documentary photography project, depicting the denizens of Coney Island. As such it is a vivid exploration of his early career as one of New York City's - and the world's - foremost street photographers (He is currently a member of Magnum Photos, the distinguished photojournalism agency.). Stylistically, there is some resemblance to work by other noted photographers such as Bruce Davidson and William Klein, but I suspect the most important influence is that from his teacher, Lisette Model. This is a long-overdue collection of Bruce's earliest work and hopefully it will remain in print.

BUILT is aptly titled. The men herein are, without exception, magnificent. Sensuality just oozes off the pages of this book, and will provide the viewer with moments of lustful longing.

Some books are more than information, or pictures, or words on paper. This book is a real work of art...
Evocations of Avedon, Blossfelt, botanical illustrations...medicinal herbals...Associations of weeds and Velcro...Intimations of mortality--not the lush and vibrant greens of the young burdock, these damaged leaves have a different beauty, more subtle and profound.