Documentary-collections Books

This is a pictorial with very little commentary (one page in the back of the book, I think) and every picture is beautiful.

A really nice collection of photos capturing the attitude and essence of what was so special about rock music back in the day. I am so glad I bought this. I have been passing it around at work to some of the old heads and we have all really enjoyed talking about "back in the day". We even all brought our old concert ticket stubs and shared stories of some of the great shows that we had been to. I highly recommend!

A solid rock book! Great layout. Some of the soft out of focus images should have been edited out but Lynn probably overrode her book editor about that.

Bought this wonderful art-photo book as a gift for my rock-n-roll loving friend. Could barely give it up! Amazing range of artists and years of history. Definately recommend this to any music and photography lover.

Lynn Goldsmith has been the supreme chronicler of all things Rock in the last 40 years and some of her best photographs are in this book. You get goosebumps as you thumb through the more than 300 pages of images and immerse yourself in memories of the times.

No one captures the passion of an artist quite like Goldsmith, it is no wonder that Tom Petty calls her "the best Rock and Roll photographer."

This book, in a word, rocks.

For anyone who loves the beach and all it's gifts and beauty, "seashells" is an exquisite gift of knowledge and photography. One can linger on its pages and almost feel each shell as every turn holds forth another vivid picture. It is a perfect collection.

The photography and text in this book is lovely.I have a collection of books dealing with shells and this gives its own unique view of the subject.

Another wonderful gift from my daughter and family for a recent birthday!
The photos, description, geographic location and history of these varieties of shells are beautiful. It is a book you will keep out for all to feast their eyes on all summer and reluctantly retire to the bookshelf come fall. Retire, you must, as when summer comes again, you can embrace this extraordinary treat.

This is a lovely, straight forward book on seashells that can be enjoyed by all ages. The photography is wonderful.

Who doesn't like a day at the beach collecting seashells. Only nature can create such beauty. This book would go great with "Beach Lover's Guide to the Perfect Sandwich" This book contains great sandwiches to eat at the beach and at beach parties. You can use the shells you collect to decorate your table of sandwiches.

I ordered this quite a long time, and don't understand what took me so long in reviewing it.

As others have said, this book is amazing. The photographs are simply timeless and beautiful. I can't quite describe the vibe that it captures or conveys, but I found myself somewhat saddened by the book. The pictures kind of struck a whole "Dead Poet's Socitey," "Carpe Diem" mood with me. At the same time, they conveyed the beauty of a time in California (or for that matter, the U.S.) that is forever lost and will never be recaptured. A time of innocence and naivete, before everything became so tainted, jaded, and overcrowded.

I don't know, maybe that's just a crock. At any rate, as a surfer of 20 years, this book really touched me. I think it will touch any fellow surfer, or for that matter, ocean lover.

Definitely pick this one up before it goes out of print (as these things so swiftly seem to do).

The faces and images have me so stoked! I have new found repect for the pre-war surfers, they paved the way, building on Duke's foundation.It also gives such a good historical perspective on the pre-war So. Cal. surf scene. It's bittersweet to see that so many of these lives and times were to be selflessly lost in the impending war. It also shows what a utopic place it must have been before the yuppies & developers destroyed so many fabulous spots. Something that magic can never last, it seems.A must for any surfer or red blooded Californian. A delight!

The faces and images have me so stoked! I have new found repect for the pre-war surfers, they paved the way, building on Duke's foundation.It also gives such a good historical perspective on the pre-war So. Cal. surf scene. It's bittersweet to see that so many of these lives and times were to be selflessly lost in the impending war. It also shows what a utopic place it must have been before the yuppies & developers destroyed so many fabulous spots. Something that magic can never last, it seems.A must for any surfer or red blooded Californian. A delight!

I've had this book for a while, and I'm ordering more for Christmas gifts.

I recently got the wonderful "Riding the Rails," about teens during the depression who hopped freights to go Huck Finning. My father did this and wound up hanging out at "The Big Rock," which wasn't in San Onofre, but in Malibu. But conditions were similar: then, you really could camp out on the beach.

Like an idiot, I let my Dad pass on before asking him the details of those years. Now, the best I can do are secondary sources. But these help me reconstruct a picture of that world of his that ended with World War II.

Around the world, there is a stereotype of Southern California, which is immediately dashed upon visiting Hollywood Boulevard. However, the stereotype isn't so much lie as anachronism.

There really was a world that matched the current anachronism that is still the image of Southern California. Get this book, and you'll understand what I mean.

In the movie, Atlantic City, Burt Lancaster's character says with nostalgia, "You shoulda seen the ocean then." It was an ironically funny line. But in this lovely collection of photographs we do see the ocean back then, in a time when one could camp on the beach in privacy, feasting on abundant lobster & abalone. The 100 pound boards have a beauty of woodcraft no longer known in the sport, & the surfers ride them like boats, upright & confidently. They look so much like us. The women are pretty. The waves are works of art. Those distant surfers weren't environmentalists, but they, more than anyone, were witnesses to what is now lost. Don James was a genius even when he taking snapshots.

A very intrigueing, and facinating book - absolutly wonderful and hauntingly beautiful photographs. This one is hard to put down...MCB

A very intreging, and facinating book - absolutly wonderful and hauntingly beautiful photographs. This one is hard to put down...MCB

As soon as I found this book in a used book store, I knew I needed to buy it. I love all the images and reading through all the angel names. Whenever I feel like the world is rapidly becoming overwhelming, I sit down with "Visions of Angels" and it helps to restore my balance. I highly recommend it - a coffee table book, it is not!

My favorite is that of "JASON, 1995" by Kelly Grider which depicts a male angel portrayed in a classic 19th century european romantic style. My second favorite is "Descending Angel" which also appears on the cover.

I am not a big fan of "coffee table" books. They gather more dust than the table, but this book demands attention. I find myself picking it up and contemplating the images. They are all deserving of multiple viewings - they are ART. The best image from Thursday may become hated on Wednesday because of the emotions generated by me, combined with the photo. I encourage all to pick up the book and I challenge you to the challenge of contemplation. Enjoy the ride.

Marjorie Ryerson has orchestrated a symphony of color and meaning on every page of her book Water Music. Her fusion of prose, poetry, music from others with her own photography makes the book a full sensual, nearly audible, experience even though it is in fact a printed piece. For all those who know that water is truly one of the most sacred parts of our existence, this book celebrates that concept and reminds us of how varied and beautiful this life-giving gift is. With proceeds going to a United Nations fund to support clean water for families and to preserve natural water environments, your purchase of this book is not only a pleasure for your own senses, but a courageous effort to protect a resource that too many of us, at our peril, take for granted.

As someone who for many years made my living as a photographer, my first response to Marjorie Ryerson's photographs of water was artistic: the images are stunning; they work to convey the beauty, mystery, and power of water. Since then, watching as other people respond to Water Music on my coffee table, I see the power of the book to raise consciousness of an ever-changing and essential resource that where I live in Florida is fast disappearing. Even in the months since I bought my copy, I have seen news headlines about communities near my home where the water has been declared unfit to drink, as well as new research showing that the state will be running out of potable water some fifteen years sooner than previously predicted-now as early as 2006. In the short time that Water Music has been the centerpiece of my living room, water wars have started between northern and southern parts of the state. So I love this book. With its fantastic photographs and lyrical text, it sits there quietly shouting that water is very, very precious and that we'd all best wake up.

Cama-i (Aleut Greetings)

I am honored to be the 66th musician Marjorie Ryerson included in her incredible group of diverse and talented musicians in Water Music. Our discovery of each other was as magical and poetic as this project and has set the stage for what I believe will be a lifetime friendship. Marjorie's passion for the importance of this project, her love of Mother Earth, and appreciation for the music makers of this planet come together in a way that makes me so very proud to be an American Indian woman, a musician and an appreciative kayaker who LOVES the- Water! "Quyanaa" sister! (Aleut- Thank You) May Creator always bless your journey...

Mary Youngblood- Native American Flutist/singer/songwriter

....on water, music, the reveries of light and wind at play on the surfaces of our hearts and souls. This is a book to keep nearby. Should the room grow too small, the air too dry - push off, navigate whatever stretch most meets your needs and listen.
What life along the banks! What an intimate glimpse of some of our finest musicians and one of America's most unassuming and talented photojournalists! Go now!

The stunning photography that is the heart of this work reminds us of the inspiring Oneness of Earth, Water and Music. That Ms. Ryerson had the vision to recognize Music as the spiritual and artistic extension of this natural unity is a gift to the reader and viewer of this remarkable book. Sixty-six world-renowned musicians, including Kenny Loggins, Randy Newman, Garrick Ohlsson, Dave Brubeck and Taj Mahal, contribute text that draws a direct line between the Muse and the constancy, beauty and timelessness of Water. In his profound essay/poem, jazz pianist Marcus Roberts beautifully captures the framework of the book: "I respect the water. Because it's been here forever-feeding nature, quenching thirst, healing the land, nurturing the flowers. And it will be here long after we are gone, demanding and receiving respect. Singing the sweet song of eternal life..." Ms. Ryerson displays an uncommon organizational and aesthetic genius, not to mention a singular commitment to the cause of sustainable water sources, contributing the royalties for this project to the United Nations Foundation. But it is her photography that is the soul of this work. Witness the misty mirror image landscape on page 151, opposite the story by cellist Tilla Henkins. I rest my case.

Paul Soberg has captured the richness and texture of his subjects so well that at times I felt they were finely illustrated water colored drawings - certainly no one can capture flowers as vividly as Mr. Soberg has managed to do! I am tempted to get a second copy for framing.

Bloom puts a smile on my face everytime I leaf through it. Taking a flower and photographing it in such a unique and fresh way is outstanding and original. Anyone who enjoys gazing at a beautiful piece of art should own a copy of Bloom. It is the "must have" book for any season!

There is a quiet and dynamic energy emanating from the pages of BLOOM. Paul Solberg has illuminated something beyond the surface with an intimacy that leaves me with a sense of peace
that only a realization of my connection to nature inspires.
Everyone should breathe it in.

The rich simplicity of the photographs in this book allows the reader to appreciate the natural intricacy and complexity of each bloom. More than a modern take on the traditional botanical field guide, these photographs discover the sensuality of flowers that surrounds us. The composition of the shots range from stunning to whimsical - a real delight. This book fills a big spot on my Christmas shopping list.

I find every picture captivating in detail, contrast, simplicity, uniqueness. Every time I page through the book I notice more and experience different emotions. To me, this is an artist who has reached me. This is a gift I am sharing with my friends!

We can all agree the Morell's work is fascinating and beautiful. I recently was lucky enough to be able to attend a screening of the documentary film Shadow of the House - Photographer Abelardo Morell.

Filmmaker Allie Humenuk shot Morell at home and abroad for over 7 years. The film is absolutely beautiful, and it honestly depicts the artist and the artistic process.

Check out the website at http://www.shadowofthehouse.com. You can purchase the film online via this site.

This is a great book and very interesting for everyone, not just artistic photographers. I love it! The only thing that was disappointing was that the label on the back of the book put on by Amazon was incredibly sticky and very hard to remove. I nearly damaged the book trying to get it off so be careful. Rubbing alcohol and a dull scraper of some kind works pretty good.

For anyone who appreciates the beauty of books or black and white photography, this is an absolute must have. It is beautiful. Highly recommended.

When I first saw this book in a book store last December, and began looking through the pages, my eyes welled up with tears at the sheer poetry of the images. It was as if doors opened into other levels of awareness. When I put the book down, I realized that I had been looking at it for over an hour, and that's when I knew I simply needed to own it. Since then, the detail and depth of the images have provided a refuge from the news in the world today. There is still beauty and peace. Thank you, Abe Morell.

Everything Abelardo Morell does is gorgeous but what makes him such a genius is the mudane things he works with. The only photographer I can compare him to is Josef Sudek.

Let's be honest. Anybody can go to a beautiful place like Yosemite or Big Sur, take a view camera and wait for nice light. Instant Ansel Adams; you can't miss unless you kick the tripod.

But how many people can make a heartbreakingly beautiful photograph from a crumpled ball of paper or some peeling paint? Get this book of books and you'll see what I mean.

As a breeder of rare breeds in the Illawara region of Australia, I enjoyed adding to my poultry library a book as unique as this one. If you enjoy chicken breeds & photos of them I would recommend this book. The author has used a photgraphic studio to capture & highlight features of chickens that would never have been appreciated in previous books. I had purchased his original 'Extraordinary Chickens' & was delighted to add this extra book. The text is succinct & correlates well with other chicken information in other books. I recommend this book to all poultry enthusiasts.

I give this a 5 star just for the pictures. If you want to know about chickens. I highly recommend these 2 books. Living with Chickens and Choosing and keeping Chickens.

This book is full of photographs of chickens. Not your typical chicken pictures mind you. You will see various breeds of chickens (many you have never seen before that are very interesting to look at), and you will also get a brief chicken history in the back of the book. What I especially enjoyed was the fact that the author wrote a small paragraph on each breed (again in the back of the book) featured in the book. I enjoyed the pictures of the various types of jungle fowl (the chickens early ancestor), and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is not a must have, but it sure is an enjoyable one.

My friend Marjorie is a person who is very fond of chickens. She decorated her little rental cottage with a chicken/rooster motif. I sent her this book for her birthday, because I knew she would be the right person to appreciate it. She called and raved about the pictures in the book. She said she did not know there were so many different kinds of chickens. Marjorie was delighted, and I was pleased to have made her so happy. The is not a book for everyone. but in the right hands it is a joy.

This is a beautiful book with lots of high quality photos. The chickens are not presented the ordinary way (from one side) but let us see more realistic poses like stretching, crowing or flapping. There is not much information about the species, but you really don't need it in this book. Lots of other books gives you that information, but this is the only choise (as I see it) for this kind of chicken portrait photos. The book is a follow-up to Extraordinary chickens, and I think you should buy them both!

This exquisite pictorial collection captures my heart just like the previous "The Spirit of Tibet: Portrait of a Culture in Exile" by Alison Wright. William Chapman has captured the soul and spirit of the Tibetan people, a people in exile. I have always have a strong interest in Tibet, and, hpefully, one day I can experience the roof of the world myself. The collection has unveiled the people, the land, and the religion behind the facade. You may experience and sense the peace, joy, meekness of the people. Beautifully done!

This amazing pictorial record of Tibet as it is today - its people, its children, the religious orders, the landscape, is breathtaking in its scope & beauty. Mr. Chapman has captured the very soul of this country and its people. You will treasure this book and the window it provides to a far & little known place.

This amazing pictorial record of Tibet as it is today - its people, its children, the religious orders, the landscape, is breathtaking in its scope & beauty. Mr. Chapman has captured the very soul of this country and its people. You will treasure this book and the window it provides to a far & little known place.

This amazing pictorial record of Tibet as it is today - its people, its children, the religious orders, the landscape, is breathtaking in its scope & beauty. Mr. Chapman has captured the very soul of this country and its people. You will treasure this book and the window it provides to a far & little known place.

This book has received an Honorable Mention from the 2001 Southern Books Competition. "An unusually effective travel album beckons the reader with a truly dramatic dust jacket. Exceptional end papers charm and lead the reader forward. Color and theme continue from the clear, attractive dedication page. Bright, energetic color images engage the reader in a simple, easily viewed format." Congratulations to the author, designer Erin Kirk New, and the University of Georgia Press.

"Once again, Mariette Pathy Allen does it-- as an advocate for transgender rights and understanding about the world of transgender (TG) people through her often daring, always respectful and empowering camera lens. Her words add the necessary spice to make this a savory meal that lasts in your very soul. As a photojournalist she is known worldwide for her remarkable ability to capture in photos the inner and outer landscapes of the TG experience. Poignant, moving, funny, celebratory, provocative, revolutionary, these are some words to describe her art and her impact globally.
Her photos fill the pages of this beautiful book, along with thought-provoking essays, poems, personal stories and essays of advocacy against violence and intolerance toward persons of TG experience by well respected spokespersons including the "Transgender Menace" founder, Riki Wilchins, Jamison Green and Allen herself. If you want to take an insider's walk into Transgenderism, this book will expand your mind and open your spirit."

As a sexologist, gender coach, and gender ID advocate, I can speak to the power of Mariette Pathy Allen's contributions ---they are honestly life altering. She can spin the right words and capture the essence of personhood like no one else. If you want to gain insight about the world of TG, this book is it. I love it. I love her. I[...].to learn more about this important contribution. She and her amazing photographic works are the essence of personal empowerment. Don't miss this book.

I already knew something of the subject, but the personal stories opinions and essays provided an extraordinary context for Pathy Allen's wonderful images and I learned a great deal. It is also beautifully produced.

this book avoids being sensationalistic and instead shows a very real portrait of what different transgendered lives and experiences look like. the histories of the subjects are particularly moving and personal. i'd recomend this book for anyone interested in gender studies or portrait photography. if, however, you're looking for a sesational and exploitative book of "trannies" than you might want to pass this one up.

I feel Mariette Pathy Allen has made a real difference in the way non gender variant people view gender variant people. She has recorded something wonderful in her book "Gender Frontiers". This book captures the hues and shadows of the humanity of gender variant people. Her book depicts the joy and struggle of being alive with a difference most of humanity is either unaware of or skeptical about. Gender Frontier is a truly an amazing work created by an amazing person. A must read for all those who are gender variant or know someone who is.

-Renee Simousek
Madison Area Transgender Association

Without Mariette Pathy Allen's art and activism, the transgender movement would not be the vital force that it is today. It's that simple. If you care enough about the provocative subject of gender to have found your way to this page, this book belongs in your library. Enjoy!

Veronica Vera
Miss Vera's Academy