Documentary-collections Books

Most families collection of photos, either black and white prints or transparencies can assume mythic status if they are the only visual record of past their history. Even beat up, creased and torn images rightly become treasured possessions to be passed from one generation to the next.

The usual criteria for judging photographs obviously don't apply in the family setting but remove images from that setting and I think it's reasonable to take a more critical look at what you see and it is here I think many recent snapshot books fail. They display too many out of focus, badly composed and dull photos and perhaps the greatest fault: too many images that show people or situations that are just too personal to those involved to mean anything to an outsider.

Fortunately 'Americans in Kodachrome' avoid most of these pitfalls and presents some quite remarkable content rich photographs. The ones I thought worked best capture everyday events and pull you into the image. Photos forty-five and six show a 1964 street parade and a 1947 flag raising (both possibly July fourth?) or photos eighty-nine and ninety showing a family portrait from 1960 and another family sitting in the kitchen having a meal. The detail in these four photos is fascinating and most of the book's images have this amount of interest. There are some duds in my opinion: photo sixty-nine of at teenager eating a watermelon, taken at night is not worth a second look. Photo twenty-six of a baby boy's face with a huge bone in his mouth clearly means a lot to whoever took it but virtually nothing to outsiders who might see it.

Another reason I like this book is because the photos are presented in a formal photobook setting with one large image per page (in 175dpi) generous margins and a one line caption. Other snapshot books I've seen go for picture book look implying that the contents really are no more than 'snaps'. Fifteen photos from the book appeared in the exhibition Close to Home at the Los Angeles Getty Museum and appeared in the book of the exhibition where they were presented with many black and white photos in a rather messy picture book format. They just didn't have the same appeal and stature as they did in `Americans in Kodachrome'.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

Photographer Guy Stricherz lets his color pictures do the talking, presenting full-page shots in an oversized presentation which contain only a line of description and date for identifier. The effect of the white-bordered presentations in Americans In Kodachrome is to draw the viewer's eye to the picture and its underlying background and implications, more than the descriptive word. From farmers with squash in a Virginia field to participants at a Rhode Island river party in 1956 or a Hawaiian beauty contest line-up in 1958, the range of ethnic groups, communities and experiences represented in Americans In Kodacrome is eye-catching and spirited.

I have had the great privilege of seeing this project from conceptual stages through it's fruition in the form of this wonderful book and the amazing collection of images assembled by Guy Stricherz therein. Not only have I been able to see many of the original transparencies, themselves, as well as some of the tens of thousands of images from various amateur archives from which these images were brilliantly edited and carefully selected over more than ten years time...But I have also seen the magic of the dye transfer prints themselves, which Guy and his talented wife Irene Malli, have lovingly crafted, and how they have given those images a whole new life and have immortalized them for all time. I state this to assure you up front that I certainly do have some bias in writing this review, as I also have the privilege to be able to call Guy and Irene my dear friends. I state this also because it may offer an interesting perspective of having an inside view of this project, as well as how this book brilliantly succeeds in doing justice to Guy's wonderful concept. Culled from the archives of amateur photographers from across this country, Guy has carefully selected those images that will resonate on many levels, with any American who has lived through the 20th century. Immortalized by the legendary song by Paul Simon of the same title, Kodachrome slide film was used predominately throughout the period from 1945-1965 by almost every American amateur photographer to document the triumphs and tribulations of day-to-day life. The film itself has a particular color palette and vibrancy that speaks of an entire era to anyone even remotely familiar with it (even thought they may not know they are familiar with it). Through the dye transfer process (which is a painstakingly demanding archival color printing process of which Stricherz and Malli remain of the few, and most certainly the finest practicing masters on this planet of that artful craft) Guy and Irene have been able to restore, and subtly transform these images, not simply back to their original splendor, but to a rich and vibrant palette that speaks not only of years gone by, but also to the idea of `color' as `content'. The images themselves are sometimes quirky, sometimes quiet, sometimes loud and brash. Each of them succeeds, not only in preserving a unique, often mysterious, document of time and place and people, but also in engaging us to look and see beyond the subject matter. What is amazing is that these images are snapshots, created by moms and dads, aunts, and grandparents, fishing buddies, and friends of all kinds...people just like you and me (well, I'm disqualified I guess as photography is also my profession)! It is credit to Stricherz' brilliant idea, his steadfast belief in the concept, his tremendous patience, devotion and hard work, and mostly to his keen and discriminating eye for what brings magic to a color image, that this collection of images succeeds on so many different levels. These are not ordinary `snapshots' by any means! Their magic and mystery will move you. It is a tribute to post war America, and to the Americans who created and lived that life, and to those who created these images. It will delight both the non-photographer, the amateur, as well as those more versed with visual arts. I can say from first-hand experience that I was delighted to see that the reproduction in this beautiful volume certainly does justice to the amazing collection of dye transfer prints that Stricherz and Malli have crafted. I've come to expect nothing less from Twin Palms Publishers who published this book and have done many distinctive and remarkable photography books in the past. Congratulations Guy and Irene - you have realized your brilliant vision and have shared it with the world! Congratulations are also due to those individuals across the country who submitted tens of thousands of photographs for this project, both those whose images were selected, as well as those whose images were not, for it was also through their efforts and contribution that made this collection possible! Buy this book! It is destined to be a classic coffee-table photo book that will seldom see shelf-time! If you get an opportunity to see the collection of dye-transfer prints, which will be in a traveling exhibition, do not pass up that opportunity!

In 1994 or thereabouts I read an article about an exhibition to feature "snapshots" made by ordinary people using Kodachrome slide film. I sent along a 1960 photograph of my mother for review. Unfortunately it was not accepted and returned to me with thanks. Just a few months ago, having all but forgotten about it, I saw this book being advertised. It is now in my collection and I must say, "wow!". It will definately bring back memories for anyone born in the post WW II years and enthrall those who just love photography. The book is beautifully crafted and printed with heavyweight paper stock and a dust cover that folds underneath along the length. Highly recommend.

To open an art mag is to see so much art. Our world has become more and more visual in the last 20 years: MTV, Industrial Light & Magic, flashy product design... So little actually can be called arresting. Flipping through magazines, Anthony Goicolea's work actually caught my attention in the riot of color that is our modern world. Its themes are strangely diffuse but all very relevant: Our growing interest in male adolescent sexuality and aggression, our nervous anticipation of human cloning, our need to find the last taboo standing.

Goicolea's work is photomontage in which the 20something artist dresses and poses in such a way as to seem 13-15 years old. Usually, his photographs contain multiple images of himself as an early adolescent interacting with each other to produce the effect of a gaggle of boys doing boyish things. These might be anything: bullying, bare-knuckles fighting, masturbation, receiving Holy Communion, playing a prank, engaging in sport.

The photos are highly stylized, slick and beautiful. They appear a bit like movie stills of a film never made. It adds to their mystique that we are forced to fill in narrative around them. It is interesting the artist chooses to focus on early male adolescence, a time of isolation and transgression. The photos then are cool and distant while hinting at a roil of desire.

With his interchangable and narcissistic boy-clones/septuplets, Goicolea makes a statement about the closed world of the pubertal boy. His secret wants, his bewildering changes are kept to himself. The viewer looks on voyeuristically, never to truly enter the sexually febrile, wildly imaginative, wolfishly violent mind of our subject and his Doppelgangers.

This is a great book at a great price--the only problem being that Amazon doesn't actually have any to sell. I ordered this book in June (when the site offered shipping in 24-48 hours) and in their latest email they have pushed the delivery date to mid September. A phone call to customer service revealed they actually have no idea when or if they can get this book. I've had this problem before trying to order art books published in limited editions from Amazon. They'll never admit they won't ship something, so if you don't get your order quickly, I advise you to cancel and go to another source. They will never have this book in stock. You can however, still get it from the publisher, just not at Amazon's low price.

ANTHONY GOICOLEA makes art that is as much about beautiful photographic compositions as it is about the investigation of pubertal psyches. Using himself as model, Goicolea creates moments frozen by his camera to create Renaissance-like staged retablos that deal with the childlike approaches to adult dilemmas and situations. There are pranks, there are episodes of bad behavior, there are surprisingly tender moments of self-exploration. The artist's imagination is fertile and his ability to create these pictures by manipulating his own physical presence is a bit mind boggling! But the overall effect is fun and thoughtful and never cloying. How he is able to do all of this is another bit of magic beyond the resultant fine photographs. A beautiful book for the art lover's collection. Grady Harp, February 2005

off-the-hook beautiful. dark, satyrical, amazing and original
storytelling - painstaking composition,staging. an eye for
stark, whimsical truth.

highly recommended...

I found this Rizzoli hard bound book a delight to read and look through. The pictures are of outside & inside views including landscapes & gardens. I never knew anything about Argentina before I bought this book. About 22 properties photographed. Text is clear, specific and inviting. Also have FAZENDAS - THE GREAT HOUSES & PLANTATIONS OF BRAZIL which is just as good. If you are a visual person and see a 1,000 things in a photograph, this book is for you. Certainly made me realise that not the great buildings are in Europe or USA.

Argentina is a fascinating country, a land of intrigue (the Peron years, the lingering mysteries of the Disappearing Ones), a land praised for the beauty of its vast landscapes and waterfalls and seemingly endless ranches where gauchos still stir the imagination, the home of the Tango, the home of the preeminent Teatro Colon, etc. But this book of richly colorful photographs and interesting writing introduces yet another aspect of the country less known - the Great Estancias.

Covering twenty two impressive estates/mansions throughout the land of Argentina author Cesar Aria shares the importance of these disparate estates. Just as the country has always been Euro-centric so are the variations of the homes here rendered. There are recreations of Italian, French and English 'palaces' (they are far too grand to be mere homes!) and the histories of the buildings combined with the histories of the families who created them. But Argentina also celebrates the vast land resources and the great captains of ranching whose country homes are equal in grandeur to the other more traditional 'museums' in the book.

The photography includes not only the facades of the buildings but also the approaches and the grounds and the interiors. The variety is surprising and the quality of the color photography is excellent. For an insider's glimpse into a country of many facets, this beautifully designed and produced book makes a fine addition to the library. Grady Harp, April 07

Tomas de Elia great photographs capture not only the european architecture of the Argentine houses and gardens but also the romantic atmosphere of the pampas. The book is impeccably designed and lavishly illustrated and allow us to wander into a part of the Argentine private world closed off to all but the most adventurous.

A gorgeous collection of photographs taken on "estancias" across Argentina's many regions, from its near tropical north, through its flatlands so reminiscent of the American Midwest, to the rugged south with its Alpine highlands. Not only is this book graced by informative text, but it is simply a treasure to gaze at for hours.

Augustus F. Sherman worked as a clerk with the Immigration Bureau of Ellis Island, photographing over two hundred families, groups and individuals as they passed through customs. Augustus F. Sherman: Ellis Island Portraits 1905-20 represents the first published collection of his work, featuring a hundred of his best photos of peoples from cultures around the world. A historical essay by Peter Mesenholler places the period of time and photos in perspective, providing both a critical analysis of Sherman's work and this collection, and lending important background to the portraits. An outstanding presentation of historical portrait photography.

Augustus F. Sherman was simply doing his job when from 1904 to 1920 he photographed the individual arrivals of multiple nationalities at Ellis Island. It was his duty to document those new immigrants who were detained for further investigation before they were allowed to step onto the Great Hope that was America. But what resulted from this duty is a portfolio of portraits of world peoples that is as tender and as touching as any ever captured by professional famous photographers!

According to essayist Peter Mesenholler, Sherman was interested in anthropological documentation of the different physical characteristics of these Eastern, Western and Southern European proud folk. He captured the inherent pride of origin of these people who often donned their finest native folk costumes as they entered New York harbor. Sherman was sensitive to the psyches of his 'sitters', knowing that in addition to the overwhelming urge to enter America, the Land of Dreams, each of these people brought with them the memories both sad and happy of their native lands, 'heroes' if you will who were brave enough to leave their roots and aspire to higher dreams and goals.

These one hundred portraits are some of the more wrenchingly beautiful from this important time of mass immigration into America, images of the folk who would comprise the melting pot that we so cherish as our national treasure. All of this art is gained by the honest eye of a non-professional photographer who took the interest and care to pass along that rarefied moment of our country's history. And there is much to be learned from slowly perusing the faces and honest captions of these important photographs.

The quality of the reproductions in sepia-toned presentation is superb as is the accompanying wise essay by Peter Mesenholler. There are few books of photography that can be more widely acclaimed than this. Very highly recommended. Grady Harp, July 05

Augustus F. Sherman's book of many portraits is a glimpse into 15 years of daily life at Ellis Island. Due to his office position at Ellis Island, Sherman had both time(remember these shots took a long time to set up and take) and opportunity to capture the many interesting clients Ellis Island served.

If you are looking for a portrait of your grandmother/father who came through Elllis Island, this is probably not the book you will find them in.

Rather, these portraits focus on immigrants wearing unusual native clothing/costumes; religious or military outfits; large family groups; ethnic groups; and even those suffering from congenital birth defects. Included also is a group of deportees whose crimes range from anarchy to being a stowaway.

Sherman sort to take as many photographs as possible in natural light, so the reader sees children playing in the Ellis Island "playground" - located on the roof; or a group of ladies from the Caribbean standing on the front "lawn"; a family from Africa; and much more.

A delightful glimpse at Ellis Island's early history - one wishes there were many more photographs the reader could view.

into what it must have been like to go through the process on Ellis Island. I had visited Ellis Island earlier this year,on a trip to New York and was struck by the atmosphere and history. The photographs in this book catch the essence of this landmark and the diversity of the people. There is also an explanation of the process that the individuals had to go through before being allowed to enter the US.

I've been traveling through Australia on expedition (mostly in the Simpson Desert) and this book features awesome panoramic photography throughout the continent. Unfortunately, the references to "God" once again muddy its pages. You know what to do, though: get out that permanent marker, careful to keep the real beauty unscathed.

In this age of immense suburban sprawl and the drive by many to pollute this world as much as possible, we can be reminded of some of the beautiful places that still exist. This book is an example and what a terrific book it is. It's absolutely appalling one would take a permanent marker to this book to black out God's glorious name. He did, afterall, create this place that we all share as our home. God created it for us to enjoy and we ought to praise Him for that everyday... not black out His name.

Ken Duncan has managed to capture Australia beautifully. This is an an excellent buy for those who appreciate landscape photography.

This is a beautiful book of a gifted photographer. Just like the "America Wide" this book offers much joy and peace in browsing through its pages. Thanks God for giving Ken such talent and skills.

Christopher Felver's stunning coffee-table book BEAT is the definitive Beat Generation Photo Book, and thankfully even more than that. What makes Felver's photography in this book so special is the fact that he was driven to bring Beat Generation images to life from the vibe and spirit and resonance of the writers and artists themselves, captured so dramatically through his camera lens. BEAT is Felver's life-journey tribute to the entire realm of spirit/vibe he started relating to and embracing as showcased in his book The Poet Exposed. BEAT didn't come to be on account of a photographer on assignment...this book exists because Felver happens to be a true cohort in the creative craft with the fine-artist talent to put together a masterpiece. If you're into the Beat Generation and you have a coffee table, this book must be on it.

I love what critic and art historian, David Shapiro, said about this book:

"No one can underestimate the clear lens of Christopher Felver. He's the master of an entire generation of poets, artists and thinkers. Like Darwin he believes in the universality of the face and documents the Beatific City of Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Gary Snyder, Diane DiPrima and all the branches of this new freedom and criticism that a generation extolled. He experiences it like a dharma bum on a mountain plateau surrounded by friends with a smile for the whole adventure. This series is like Robert Frank on joy or David Amram playing six musical instruments at once. Moreover, Felver is a late member of this resistance which is a permanent revolution. He is a man with many arms and eyes."

Chris Felver's creative look at the writers who make up the Beat Generation offers a visual perspective that is new and exciting but with the timeless skill of a Robert Frank. The authors are captured for their individualism. Additionally, Felver has interwoven text and original manuscript material throughout the book. Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the great poet, is editor of Felver's boyish enthusiasm. Felver is able to transfer the passion that he felt to his story and the photography. He makes an emotional connection to the reader and to the photographs with his own transformative story.

Felver uses an old Leica and the sliver gelatin print to capture the texture and character of the artists and writers. As Amiri Baraka states in the intro, he gets the shots because he is a "photo terrorist" willing to take risks and be with people in places to where other photographers would not venture.The book ends with a powerful photograph of Corso laid out in his coffin. Implying the circle is of life is finite but never ending. The book works on a number of different levels and is high sophisticated experience.

If you are a follower of the Beat movement or just a fan of a writer or two of the period, do not hesitate to buy this book. I could not put it down and found myself mesmerized by the photography and Felver's story. Unlike other books that portray the Beats, Felver invites you in to be a part of his journey. You get to know the writers and photographers, artists, and musicians and him. Beat is an important achievment by this talented and innovative photographer.

Christopher Felver is a photographer of great accomplishment and I've long dug his work capturing the souls of hipsters on film. His new photo and ephemera collection is called BEAT and is published by Last Gasp. Here's 200 pages of Beat Generation poet/writer/artist heroes like Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and many others. It includes those who didn't strictly belong to that generation but who made art of some kind with first allegiance to the art, not commerce. Ed Sanders, John Sinclair, Hunter S. Thompson, and Ken Kesey are four younger-than-Beat heroes in Felver's book who did not pimp out their muse.

For all the drugs, alcohol, suicide, and profuse misery justifiably associated with sensitive artists, Felver captures his subjects at the moment they are getting a joke. Many are already laughing. The ability to capture this precious instant proves that Felver is at the same high watermark as his subjects. One cannot purchase the ability to get the joke, but if you're searching for smiles, you'll find them a-plenty in BEAT.

It's near-impossible to be a proper art-for-arts'-sake artist in 21st Century America. Cheap rents in major cities have disappeared. One apparently needs an arsenal of technology to create in the cyber age. Mechanized transportation is becoming prohibitive with the price of fuel and reality of global warming. Constant awareness is no longer merely an artistic state, but mandatory for the survival of the planet. Recognition of the absurd and the laughter that accompanies it will help beat off the squares and their Apocalypse. We can, in part, thank Kerouac, Ginsberg, Burroughs, Chris Felver, and Anton Rosenberg.

Somos Cubanos by Thoma Benno is a beautiful, large size, photography art book. Benno took these stunning photos of men while on a trip to Cuba. Set against the simplicity of everyday life and old world charm, these photos scream male sensuality. Printed on thick, high quality paper, these 60+ photos take us back in time when life was simple. Photos include singles, duos, portraits, semi nudes and nudes. Absolutely beautiful!

ARIBA ARIBA!! LUV THEM CUBANOS!

Somos Cubanos show erotic pics of young guys, brunet cubanos, very sensual, wonderful pictures, for men and women very specials.

'A book that will make you lobby hard for the end of the Cuban trade embargo....lots of gorgeous cubanos caught by the lens of the talented Benno Thoma.'

Mr. Beard seems loaded with all the right ingredients: curiosity, empathy, compassion, passion, drive plus blessed with an artistic eye all housed inside the form of a handsome athelete who has the resources and connections to make a difference in any cause he chooses to promote. His fascination with and respect for africa (decades before the dark continent became fashionable to take a deeper look at and "save"), ancient african tribal life, protecting and fighting for endangered animals,photographing sultry,statuesque fashion models and partying with influential socialites makes for a unique lifestyle...all celebrated in his spectacular photographs that enlighten, shock and amuse.He followed his adventurous dreams and ended up living a life more fantastic than anything hollywood could have imagined.He has successfully intersected the worlds of high art, high fashion, high society and humanitarianism on his terms to serve his needs.
Reproductions of his legendary journals are my favorite part of the book. Mr.Beard's powerful daily journals are physically huge, overwhelmingly organic, almost living, objects that have been spontaneously, randomly, obsessively created with his photographs, magazine and newspaper scraps, notes, drawings, doodles, comments, collaged with multi-dimensional found treasures and debris (including blood) from his daily experiences more than qualify as important works of intense, raw, fine art...exposing the guts and soul of one very lucky man who made the most of all that he was given.

Peter Beards latest book is short on words and long on interesting pictures. It is the most varied in subject content that I've seen in his work. Some of the wildlife scenes are without equal. The only detraction is that it is short on narration. If I could have one wish, I would really like to have him sitting beside me and telling me about each picture. I guess another complaint would be that the book is much too short, I want more. I have two of his other works (Eyelids of Morning, and End of the Game) which are longer and thus more satisfying to an avid reader. Some of this book can be seen in the others. A perspective buyer would also be advised to get more biographical information on Peter Beard to understand the background of work.

Beautiful, brutal and inspiring. Each time I open it I find it more touching. It is one of the best gifts to give to someone who appreciates nature, Africa or photography. Peter Beard is a collector of memories and his journals are pieces of art.
As a child, I was impressed by Peter Beard's creativity and sense of adventure. As an adult, I appreciate that he has chosen to share his experiences through his books. He's a man who lives an extraordinary life! His photographs and journals are a must-see if you can catch them in a gallery, however, this book is the next best thing.

If you love Africa, her people and the wildlife, you will enjoy this book by Peter Beard. I first came across his very first published book 'The End of the Game'in 1965 featuring a fascinating look at East Africa's endless game animals and some of the colorful characters who hunted them. He recorded an Africa that is long gone. Subsequently his other works came out - 'Longing for Darkness', 'Eyelids of the Morning''Fifty Years of Portraits' and this title 'Beyond the end of the World' and I was fortunate to have some of them autographed. As always, Beard's photographs and diaries are a delight to read.

Yes, there IS a calendar version of this book but the calendar just scratches the surface of this collection.

I intitially borrowed this book while looking for reference images for a video project. It became obvious to me in a very short time that I would HAVE to purchase this book. Even though I am a professional photographer and filmmaker, there are very few photography books I am willing to spend my money on. There are many I like but few I wish to own. This book, like all of the photo books I've purchased, moved me in a powerful way. These are beautifully executed, intimate black and white portraits. Most of the photographs are spontaneous and shot during recording rehearsals. Several of the images graced the covers and sleeves of the records produced by the jazz record label, Blue Note.

Francis Wolff was not just Blue Note's primary photographer (and quite talented), he was also the label's co-founder. His already skillful eye was that much more in tune (no pun intended) with his subjects and sensitive to the working environment. He was able to capture subtle moments few likely could. Most images are illuminated by a single light source, spotlighting the artists and capturing them in moments of thought, exhilaration, playfulness and intensity.

Seeing greats like Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, a young Herbie Hancock and Hank Mobley in these intimate moments early in their careers is powerful. The design is outstanding and the printing if these photographs is impressive. This is a must have book for the music lover, photographer, or photography lover. If you don't fit into one of the above catagories, don't sweat it. You will love this book simply because it is beautiful.

I can't believe my eyes, this book is full of beautiful pictures, magic moments in the Blue Note studio with the jazz masters, all of them.
Not to talk about the price, what's 20 bucks for a book like this? it's worth so much more. A huge book in every aspect. I've got just one word: INCREDIBLE. Buy it.
zl1

I must admit I am a little confused as to why the other reviews list this as a book.....

Good, insightfull text, great photographs, oustanding print quality: a must have for all lovers of jazz, jazz musicians and photography. The photographer's empathy for his subject(s) just oozes from the pages of this wonderful book. There's a picture there of a dreamy John Coltrane, that just totally catches the sensitivity, the intelligence, the emotionality of a great musician and a great human being! A must buy !

Once you start reading Charles Fish's Blue Ribbons and Burlesque (A Book of Country Fairs), it's hard to stop. The book starts with "Magic" and ends when "The Curtain Falls." In between we are introduced to "Animals: Power," their "Speed and Show," "Feats of Skill and Daring," "Freak Shows," and "Girlie Shows," to name a few of the chapters I found most entertaining.

On almost every page Fish blends into the text black and white pictures he took himself. Not only is Fish an accomplished wordsmith, he is also a talented photographer. He catches people and events at just the decisive moment when a story is most clearly and dramatically told. With each chapter I looked first at the pictures and then went back to read the entertaining story. It is hard for me to say which I enjoyed more, pictures or text, because Fish brought not only his wry observations to his writing, but also a genuine sense of humor revealed in many of the photos. A deep sense of humanity lives on every page of this book -- real people living their lives, some as performers, others as observers. With his camera in hand Fish watches them all, tells their story, and captures that brief period in Vermont history when a country fair brought a little "magic" into the lives of salt-of-the-earth New Englanders.

Blue Ribbons and Burlesque is more than a coffee table diversion, although this would be enough to justify its existence. Fish gives us a chance to reflect with him on what we have lost when country fairs with strange and unusual people, magnificent animals, games of chance, cotton candy, Ferris Wheels, bumper cars, and old fashioned merry-go-rounds took us out of the humdrum of daily life and brought the exotic to our back door, even if only for a week. Then, as Fish says, "Kitchens, tack rooms, and bedrooms sported new blue ribbons, and giant teddy bears had new homes. Thudding hooves and roaring engines still echoed, but faded as the weeks wore on."

Thanks to Charles Fish's remembrance and all those photographs he saved for many years, the blue ribbons and burlesque can be revived and relived, with pleasure and perhaps nostalgia for days gone by and a life that did not find its center in a television set. Highly recommended.

This book is easy to read and has glorious photos of bygone county fairs. An excellent selection for those interested in the history and feeling of the old fairs.

Though these state fairs were slightly before my time, yet I found the book fascinating. Fish's photographs and prose are a joy. Highly recommended

These black and white photos, along with the recollections of the author, conjure up an intriguing look back at country fairs - something that goes well beyond the simple nostalgia that one might expect from such a collection. The photos are touching and powerful, and reveal elements of both the human and animal condition in regards to such fairs. Things like the burlesque shows may be a thing of the past, and these photos perhaps show why as Fish looks at both the girls on show and those who watched them with a detached and objective eye. A fine book altogether - especially for those interested in photo-realism or historical archives. The images speak on a number of levels...which is, in the end, the measure of a good photograph.