Documentary-collections Books

Aperture published this book in 2002 to accompany the exhibition that it put together to celebrate its first fifty years as an organization and publisher, 1952-2001.

The book consists of two parts that are only loosely tied together: an extended essay by R. H. Cravens entitled Visions & Voices: A celebration of genius in Photography (36 pages in all), and a large gallery of photographs intermixed with quotes from Aperture writers ranging in length from single lines to whole pages (194 pages in all). Most of the items are marked with the volume of Aperture where they appear. The rest constitute "additional material" assembled for the event. Though not noted as such, some have also appeared in other Aperture publications, but probably not all. I assume that the gallery - the photographs if not also the quotes - corresponds fairly closely with the exhibition.

If you crack the book open and start leafing through it you may not see the clear two part structure. This is for two reasons. First, the essay has illustrations of its own - mostly smallish pictures of pages or double pages from various issues of Aperture but also some photos of the people involved including the founders and the editors. And second, the two parts are not presented as single pieces but are rather interleaved: four chapters of the essay each followed by about a quarter of the gallery photographs and quotes. It's actually easy to tell the two kinds of content apart once you notice that the pages of the essay have Visions & Voices next to the page numbers whereas the pages of the gallery do not.

The organization of the essay is basically chronological and traces the history of Aperture from its founding to today (or rather to seven years ago). Cravens bases it on interviews with the insiders and offers an insider's view. He talks a lot about the beliefs and goals of the principals as well as their concrete accomplishments and frustrations (especially in the area of money). He portrays the people with charity and circumspection, and even though he notes a surprisingly large number of unfortunate developments including divorce, alcoholism, disability and death, he barely hints at the personal animosities and conflicts that must have been part and parcel of an enterprise such as Aperture.

He focuses on the chief editors, first Minor White and later Michael Hoffman along with for a few crucial years Carole Kismaric. He mentions many photographers in passing but says little about most of them. Exceptions are Paul Strand, who receives the most treatment of all (more than Minor White in his capacity as photographer as opposed to editor), and Frederick Sommer, who figures in one of the very few controversies that is noted in the essay, the publication of some photographs of his in the pages of Aperture that evoked angry responses from a segment of the journal's readership.

The sequencing of the gallery is loosely chronological but relates more to the artistic trends that could be tracked in the pages of Aperture over the years. The progression is, very roughly, from straight to experimental photography, seen against the background of the eternal tensions between aestheticism and social conscience, realism and artifice, safety and shock. Those familiar with the individual photographers will probably recognize the works selected for the collection, but those whose knowledge of 20th century photography is limited (as mine is), will find much that is new. Photographs are identified by photographer, title, date (but not size or original print type), and, where applicable, appearance in Aperture, but there is no commentary other than the interleaved quotes. Those who want to read need to read the language of the photographs themselves.

I would give the essay by itself four stars and the gallery by itself five stars. I really like the book as a whole and give it five stars overall.

BTW the account of the Sommer controversy in the essay appears on p. 15. The photograph at the middle of it, Untitled (amputated foot), 1939, is included in the gallery on p. 225.

I saw this show in a gallery and I loved it! I bought the book so I could take the exhibit's beauty home with me.

Photography Past Forward is a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of "Aperture" magazine enhanced with the kind of visual imagery (excerpted from issues of Aperture ranging from 1952 to 2002) that Aperture is so closely identified with, and enhanced with a informative history of this world-class publisher by R. H. Cravens. The essence and mission of Aperture was to be a forum where serious photographers could communicate about the nature of their art. Visual and textual highlights from fifty years of sharing fill Photography Past Forward, which numerous select photographs - some in color, most in black and white - as well as quotes and articles offering timeless wisdom and advice to aspiring photographers everywhere. Photography Past Forward is a strongly recommended and memorable visual treat for all dedicated students and practitioners of the photographic arts.

My images of Shanghai are in black and white, being mainly informed by classic 40's flicks like Shanghai Express and Charlie Chan In Shanghai. It seems to me to be a city lost in time, full of steam pouring from train engines and femme fatales and both danger and adventure lurking in every corner. It is certainly not a place where people live, get up, go to work, buy groceries and generally live and die the way people do all over the world.

This is why "Planet Shanghai" was such an eye-opener for me. These are the people in the neighborhood. These are the people that you meet when you're walking down the street. Live and in living color, clad in multi-patterned pajamas, smoking and shopping, this is a record of Shanghai and the people who live there doing what they do, living their lives. I really enjoyed that this was not a "Weird Asia" book where the author tries to shock and amaze Western audiences with all that is "Not-American", but instead endeavors to make an accurate record of a city and lifestyle that may not last much longer.

Photographer Justin Guariglia wants to let the people speak for themselves, and so this is a pure photography book. There are no captions or explanations, and aside from two short essays, one by Guariglia and one by travel writer John Krich, there is no text of any kind other than what you might find on the street. The photographs are categorized in eight sections, such as City, Style, Food, Dogs and Family & Friends. While some of the photographs are spontaneous, most of them are standing portraits, with the people presenting themselves as they are.

And yes, some of it is odd. I didn't know that pajamas were normal streetwear in Shanghai, and a shot of the infamous "split pants" that children wear so that they can go to the toilet in the streets was funny to see. I have heard about them in several articles on China, but it was my first time to see a photograph. But that is about it. The strangeness is not emphasized, and that makes the book all the better.

This book combines two of my favorite photo subject matters, travel and portraiture. Consider it an insiders tour of traditional Shanghai where the locals go about their business in their pajamas. Not only is the subject matter interesting, but the images are well composed and just full of color and vibrancy. It makes me want to pack my bags, get on the first flight to Shanghai and go on a photo safari.

I bought this book a month ago and have been looking at the images ever since. This is a great snapshot of Shanghai as it is now (or at least, a couple of years back) and what an interesting tale it tells. If you cannot tell by the cover, this book is (mainly) about Shanghainese who go round their daily business dressed in pajamas. Not just ordinary pajamas - some are really loud and colorful and others just should NOT been seen outside of one's bedroom. But here they are, authentic Chinese nighties worn in broad daylight. The book is also a record of a China that is fast fading away, as the Chinese get more and more sophisticated, and more aware of their place in the world. Is the pajama-wearing Shanghainese a dying breed? Very possibly. All in all, this is a great book with fantastic pictures.

I bought this book after 4 years of raving in the netherlands in a discount bin. That was 97 I think. I went to the love parade in 2000 and that was the last year before every other country started having their own love parades. It is a beautiful book, truly a "portrait of a generation" I think the culture is dead now, so sadly. Now, they have either turned to burning man, traveling, or daytime jobs. None of it, is what it was. It was a jewel of love and light. i will miss it forever

This books sums up the essence of what rave is. It fashions "PLUR" (Peace Love Unit Respect) in the way it is meant to be seen. Every page captures the purity and individuality of each person. It manages to tell a story through brightly colored professional photographs. This book is the reputation raves SHOULD have, because this is what they are about. Highly recommended. A well organized collection and must have for anyone who holds this ever-evolving scene deep in their hearts.

a year or two ago, i asked myself how i would explain to my kids what being at a rave was like. what the people were like, and what they felt. how could i explain the eye candy, and even harder, how could i explain "a vibe"? is there something written, something visual, that could explain it? i have searched, and found such a book. it is Portrait of a Generation : The Love Parade Family Book. a snapshot, with timestamp, and a short quote giving a peek into what that person was feeling at that moment, at the greatest outdoor event in Germany! i really enjoyed this book. while this book is mostly of europeans, the style and comments of these Love Paraders feel familiar. this is definately a portrait of a segment of our generation that might have otherwise been forgotten. rave on.

Last week I met Don Farber and he gave me his extraordinary book. I've been relishing the book slowly - page by page - ever since. It is the most powerful experience you can have with a book. "Extraordinary" does not begin to describe it.

This is a powerful photobiography and concise journal of the key Tibetan Buddhist teachers of our time. It's also obvious that this is a book of special interest and would appeal to a limited readership. I would wholeheartedly and sincerely recommend this book to anyone who would like to find out more about Tibetan Buddhism and the inspiring lineage masters who leads the Sangha, the monastic community.

In my humble opinion, there are two elements which are vital to the success of photobiography of this genre.

Firstly, the photographer must have a strong affiliation, rapport and connection with his subject of photography. In this respect, the author & photographer, Don Farber, being a lay student of many of the revered Tibetan Buddhist Teachers featured in his book and the photographer who sees his revered teachers through the lens of his camera offers a person-to-person perspective at the intimate level which speaks alot for his relationship with the subject of his work.

In my humble opinion, Don's effort is immaculate because I have personally met a few of the teachers featured in this book before and after reading his work. Like a painter who does oil on canvas, Don has skillfully captured the qualities of his subjects on film.

His images are the most immaculate visual documentation of three of the teachers whom I have met and I feel that Don has documented the difficult to describe "signature traits" of each of my compassionate teachers,that was impressed upon me during my recent encounters with His Eminence Lati Rinpoche of the Gelug School since 2005, with Trulshik Rinpoche of the Nyingma School in 2006 and most recently Garchen Rinpoche of the Kagyu School who had led a Retreat in Singapore during end-Dec 2007/ January 2008.

A number of friends whom I have shared this wonderful book with had also commented that Don has faithfully and successfully captured the "aurora", the wisdom, humility and compassion of their respectable teachers as they have appeared in person, I am convinced that this could only be accomplished through the eyes of a student.

Secondary, although a picture speak a thousand words, it should always be complemented by an equally excellent written contents to communicate with the reader. The accompanying text to each master's photograph, includes a concise but vital commentary-quote by each of the Buddhist Masters on the Buddhadharma and is supplemented by an excellent and concise write up on each master. Do not skip the Introduction by Don Farber, it is a recommended must read.

In terms of presentation, this nicely bounded book has an excellent layout and it should serve as a good, if not the best, photobiography and concise reference of the lineage masters of Tibetan Buddhism for students and the general readership.

Unfortunately, it is impossible for the author to record all the contemporary masters of the various lineages but as the sayings goes, it would take one's karma, merits and blessings to be able to meet compassionate and wise teachers in one's life.

For those who have not met any of the teachers or are yet to meet one, fear not, Don has met nearly a hundred of them and has introduced them to us via his photographic work in this beautiful book.

As the only unique contemporary work (circa 2006) photobiography, is an excellent piece of documentary work for prosterity.

If readers are interested to see some of the masters documented on video, the DVD documentary Yogis of Tibet is highly recommended.

Thank you reading this enduser review, may all beings be relieved from their sufferings upon "seeing" their masters and embark on the path of spiritual liberation.

Don Farber is a fine photographer and has produced a profoundly moving book containing the portraits of many of the greatest contemporary Tibetan Lamas. The book itself is well and beautifully made so it will give years of use. Very simply designed, it devotes two facing pages to each master, with a brief biography and quotation on the left and a full-page portrait on the right.

Farber has captured something of each of these masters. As Sogyal Rinpoche points out in his Foreword, "In the Vajrayana tradition of Tibet there is a method called thong drol, 'liberation upon seeing'. I believe that images of masters, such as these are endowed with a real power of communication and transmission. I remember, growing up in Tibet, that whenever they sat for a photo, the great masters would always, quite naturally, already be in a state of the nature of mind, of unaltered pure awareness, which is what would be directly communicated to anyone seeing their pictures, only depending, of course, on how receptive he or she might be." Perhaps this accounts for the power of many of these portraits.

Not everyone is here - Farber, despite his best efforts, was unable to photograph some of the most revered Lamas, such as Chatral Rinpoche. But then others - Kalu Rinpoche for example - are here twice - in their previous and present incarnations. This book is a beautiful historical document, and for those connected by practice and lineage to any of these masters, it is more.

Charles Moore was there. He witnessed the events of Selma, Birmingham, and Montgomery. His camera captures the struggle at close range, in all its glory, drama, and tragedy. Charles Moore does a fantastic job of showing how the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a series of historic events that took place throughout the South, connected by common themes: justice, fairness, humanity, dignity, and ultimately...love.

It's great to see this book back in print! Moore was one of the most famous photographers of the civil rights movement, and chronicled the people and events in images that have become iconic-- from the exhausted, wounded US marshall assigned to protect James Meredith to the brutality of Birmingham to the quiet pride of the voter registration efforts. The book presents Moore's black-and-white photos in gorgeous, sharp, usually full-page view (some, however, cross the page), and he had an unbelievable talent for catching the expressions and individual moments that really make this history come alive. These photos are works of art as well as historical documents, sometimes difficult to look at, but unforgettable. A very good introduction gives Moore's own words describing some of his experiences with the movement, and clear captions place each picture in historical context. This is a book I've found myself returning to over and over again; I can't imagine anyone interested in the civil rights movement or photojournalism who would regret buying it.

ive had this book for several years and used to skim the photo pages. the photos alon give it a 5 rating. reading the text increases my rating to a 7 if it were permitted. charles moore discusses his background as a white man growing up int he south and his early days as a photojournalist. a great book.

An excellent selection of photos with great text. This book was edited perfectly and it kept my attention throughout.

I bought this book for someone who was probably bouncing up and down at many of the shows depicted in this fine collection (which hardly does it justice) of performance and candid photographs of the seminal figures of Punk. Even though they are the epitome of a music snob and punk aficionado, they were delighted with the book. Now I'll have to go back and get one for myself.

Despite being yet another book titled PUNK this-or-that (how boring) accompanied by yet another picture of the overexposed Pistols, what we have here is a rare and fine contribution to the small flock of top rate punk documentation. For the lost-in-space stalwarts of the "punk died in '77" variety, you will find ample obscure photos and tentalizing quotes/factoids about your beloved NY scenesters (Patti Smith, Richard Hell, Ramones; the usual suspects) and your typical UK actors (Pistols, Clash, Buzzcocks, et al). But what is truly exceptional about this book is the wide territory it covers for the true punk listener. Not only does it include proto-punk legends (13th Floor Elevators, Stooges, MC5) but it ackowledges the crucially influential yet overlooked groups from both the US & UK such as the Avengers, Dils, Weirdos, Stiff Little Fingers, Angelic Upstarts, Dead Boys, Undertones, Black Flag, Germs, and on and on. As a bonus it includes the salt and pepper of much loved hangers-on who used punk to become rich and famous while not ever really being punk (Elvis Costello...you get the idea). This book is great and can be looked through over and over again without boredom. Highly recommended for every punk or jaded old rocker who has ever picked up a photobook on punk only to be bored to tears with 50 pages on Patti Smith/Talking Heads and another 50 pages of Sex Pistols/Clash and little else. And its cheap!

This book was a gift in at least three ways. First, it was a birthday gift from good friends. Second, it was a gift to give me a window into the world of the photographer, Mr. Stanley Marcus, a remarkable man. And third, it is a gift to the world of a view into the life and friends of this great man.

Allison V. Smith, Mr. Stanley's granddaughter, and herself a gifted photographer has (together with her mother) done a great service by publishing this wonderful collection of photographs. The reader/viewer can travel the world vicariously through the eye of Mr. Stanley and the lens of his camera.

Too bad Amazon only allows five stars.

As a young man, Stanley Marcus wanted to be a photographer; instead, he went into the family business and transformed a Texas department store into a symbol of international style. It goes without saying that the photographs he took thoughout his life are accomplished: elegantly composed and perceptive. But they are more than that. They also reveal the qualities of his heart: his generous capacity for affection, his democratic pleasure in all kinds of human experience, his ability to capture tenderness in faces and in postures. The result reflects his expansive spirit; it is also a testament to the grace and affection he passed on to his daughter and granddaughter, who edited the photographs. They have distilled decades of photographs into a visual memoir of an extraordinary life.

Every time I sit down with this book I see something new. It's like a trip back in time in every sense. I admire the elegant women in their gloves and hats, feel transported to places around the world I yearn to see, and of course marvel at Mr. Stanley's uncanny sense of style that is captured in every single shot. I'm very grateful for this keepsake reminder of him and the legacy he left.

I, too, know Ron Modra, and I always look for his credits in any issue of Sports Illustrated. His photos can be counted on to be the best in that issue. It is wonderful to have a book full of Mr. Modra's baseball pictures. The pictures are extraordinary, i.e. excellent photographs which are not the ordinary, garden-variety sports photos. The photos capture wonderful moments with the subject. The commentary is also extraordinary, describing the sport in ways we, as fans, may not have considered. I'll be buying at least two more copies of this book as Chrismas gifts this year.

I've worked on occasion as Ron Modra's assistant (including on one occasion pictured in the book) so I am a bit predjudiced. However, even I was pleasantly surprised by what an interesting and original book this is, which is not easy to do with a subject covered as often as baseball. The photos, as always with Ron's work, are great but it is the text which makes the book so original. Ron's insights and those of Pat Jordan and the players are what holds one's interest and make this book a great "read" as well as a great "see". I particularly recommend Ron's comments on Barry Bonds, Pete Rose and Wade Boggs. Well done.

I've been a subscriber to Sports Illustrated for years, and often tear out great photos from the magazine to hang on my bulletin board. I first noticed Ronald C. Modra's photos when he was covering track and field at the Olympics. I still have a picture he took of Jackie Joyner-Kersee from the L.A. or Seoul Games (I don't recall which...) After that, I started looking for his credit line, and while he always took amazing portraits of men and women in a variety of sports, I soon realized his true love was baseball. I started watching the game with a fresh eye, through his photographs, and now that they've been collected in a single volume, I'm really thrilled to re-experience the pleasure his photos always gave me! This is a great gift for anyone in your life who loves the game of baseball. The text is straight from the hip, but it's the pictures that take your breath away.

the right side is definately inspiring!!i am one of the women in the book and found myself inspired by reading about and meeting some of the other women as well as patty and leif!!it should give anyone dreading turning forty an incentive to know that life just begins!!

Leif Zurmuhlen's photographic study of women over forty is as effective an exploration of his artistry as it is a celebration of the lives of these fascinating individuals. Of particular interest is Zurmuhlen's art direction. Working alone, he is able to create complex and multifaceted compositions that intrigue, amuse, captivate. This is an extremely enjoyable collection of images. Check it out.

Leif Zurmuhlen's intimate and artistic photographs reveal the spirit and vivacity of women over forty. Patricia Martin's text allows the reader to delve into the personalities of these women, who come from all over the country and all walks of life. This book is inspirational and interesting. Women and men will enjoy this excellent work. I keep mine out on the coffee table and it has sparked many intriguing discussions. When is the next book coming?

This book is definitely worth every bit of 5 stars. David Muench's photographs are astounding. There are many pictures from Colorado, and his photos of wildflowers in Yankee Boy Basin are great. The pictures of Glacier National Park actually do an amazing justice to the beauty of that park. Also, the pictures of the Canadian Rockies, especially in Banff, are wonderful. It makes a great coffee table book or a gift. You will want to go through the book page-by-page because every picture, and there are too many to count, is intriguing. Definitely worth buying!

I've got an entire shelf of Colorado photo books, and this is one of the best. The pictures are fantastic - often taken at rare times and filters used to give them an almost "better than real" appearance. The brief text is also interesting, and each picture location is identified.

This book is FABULOUS!!! Since my visit to the Canadian Rockies over two years ago, I have searched for a book which could capture the spectacular images I remember. David and Marc Muench's amazing landscape photographs are magnificent. J. Udall's essay on this region is equally captivating, amusing and above all reminds me that I must return there soon! In a world of overhype and hyperbole, this book is truly matchless.