2 comments about Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail.

1. The original version of this book was published in 1938 in a limited edition of only 500 copies. Ansel's other well known work of this early period include his portfolio entitled Parmelian Prints of the High Sierras (1927) and his other early books include Taos Pueblo (published in a limited edition of about 100 copies around 1930), and the relatively common instructional book "Making a Photograph" (1935). I have seen all of these works in their original form and was grateful to see this book reprinted making it accessable to modern Ansel Adams fans of modest means such as myself.
   
   Ansel's printing style changed over the course of his life. For instance, the Monolith (face of Half Dome) print included with the Parmelian Prints looks completely different than the much more familiar and frequently reproduced prints from this negative made in the 1970s. Several other examples can be found of this change in printing style. Most books currently on the market and prints that are frequently shown focus on the dramatic Wagnerian style of printing Ansel adopted in his later years. Modern Ansel Adams publications which seem to include several new books every year focus on already well known images as Ansel printed them in the final decades of his life. This book is refreshing in that focuses on Ansel's early images and printing style. The book is also focused on the John Muir trail rather than being a "greatest hits" collection.
   
   Printing technology has also changed and improved a lot since the original version of the book was published in 1938, and his improved significantly even since 1984 when Ansel died. Of course not every book is printed with the best technology of an era. I have not seen original prints of all of many of the images reproduced in this book, but I believe the printing to in the spirit of this era and to the original edition.
   
   Plate #49 in the book, "Lake and cliffs, Kaweah Gap" has been reproduced in several other books as "Frozen Lake and Cliffs" including as plate XIII in the 1935 "Making a Photograph" and on page 10 of the 1983 printing of "Examples the Making of 40 photographs." I have taken the opportunity to compare these three reproductions side by side. The 1935 reproduction is clearly the worst of the three to my eye - likely because of the printing technology of that era. The 1983 book and the current book are much closer. The blacks are deeper in this book. There is more constrast in the cliff in the current "John Muir Trial" reproduction at the expense of a slight amount of shadow detail which is present in the "Examples" book. In "Examples" Ansel mentions that the negative was processed in nearly exhausted developer and lacks density in the shadows making it difficult to print. He goes on to say in "Examples" (which he wrote in the early 1980s), that it was "Only within the past year or so have I been able to get a nearly satisfactory print..." This implies to me that the loss of shadow detail in the John Muir Trail reproduction of this image is due to the way Ansel printed this image in that era and not due to the quality of printing in the book as another reviewer suggested.
   
   This is one of the few books currently available which focuses on Ansel's early photography career, and I would highly recommend it to anyone with a serious interest in his work. Having seen and read the 1938 edition, I believe this new printing does justice to the original as well as makes this body of work accessible to the current generation Ansel Adams enthusiasts.



2. It is always told that AA put enormous energy and care in producing his 1938 edition of "Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail", originally published in only 500 copies and a fine art book of highest quality at the time.
   
   I never saw a copy of the origional edition and my comment is purely on what I see in this 2006 standard edition. I don't know how this book is made from the original edition. It says tri-tone but the printing quality is so-so. Some images are a little vague, some losing details in shadow or highlight. The book is pale in compasrison with some great AA books published by Bulfinch in the past, such as "California" or "Yosemite and the High Sierra". You can find some images from this book in other AA books and in better quality. Overall, it would make AA uneasy to stamp his famous AA Authorized Edition to the book. If it were not for its historical value, I'd skip this book.
   
   Now Bulfinch also offers a 2006 deluxe edition at $1,200. Again I haven't seen a copy but perhaps the pricier version can live up to the standard of the original edition.
   
   The trend looks a little worrisome recently in AA books pulished by Bulfinch. The printing quality goes down from "California (1997)" to "Ansel Adams at 100 (hardcover 2001)". "Trees (2004)" rebounds just a little but "Sierra Nevada: The John Muir Trail (2006)" is a little disappointing. I would hope the next AA book by Bulfinch can rejuvenate the printing quality, even if doing so means a higher price tag.

3 comments about Colorado Wild (Natural World).

1. The photos in this book are stunning and inspiring, a handsome overview of the state to the north of where I presently live. They are vivid reminders of why I moved to the West many years ago, and reinforce the fragility of Colorado's pristine beauty. What completely dazzled me though, was the splendidly crafted text from Judy Sellers, which made my imagination soar. Who could not be moved by this insightful look at Colorado's 'wild,' documented by someone who is actively working to preserve it? While this makes a beautiful coffee table book, it is much, much more, just like the state it portrays.



2. I have lived in and traveled through Colorado for 40 years and this beautiful book introduced me to places I didn't know existed.The photos and discriptions of the Colorado prarie are special and I shall be heading that way soon! First however a look at Cripple Creek and Leadville may be in order...I hope this book will inspire us all to save this beautiful state.



3. This book is a beautiful tour of Colorado . Very well-written with gorgeous photographs from the entire state. Reading this was a pleasure. If you love the outdoors, you'll love this book.

5 comments about New York, Empire City: 1920-1945.

1. A rare glimpse into a glamorous New York as it once was. An amazing time machine. The photographs are of absolutely stunning quality.



2. I love the fantastic black and white images in this book, you forget how spectacularly beautiful the New York skyline was before the 50's, 60's and 70's international style of Mies and SOM ruined the skyline blocking many of these breathtaking buildings from view and altering an iconic american image forever. At any rate, this is a really good book, with well researched, interesting text and aforementioned great photo's. As you look at all the beautiful buildings and lament the loss of so many over the years, you can't help but want to throttle Robert Moses and David Rockefeller.



3. No regrets but I wish there were more photos of the city and street scenes.



4. When David Stravitz bought around five hundred glass negatives from a New Jersey photo shop in the late seventies I bet he didn't realise what a nice little earner he was onto. This treasure trove of images has so far produced two books, the amazing day-by-day building of the Chrysler Building (ISBN 1568983549) and now 'New York, Empire State'.
   
   Both books follow the same format, page after page of very detailed architectural photographs of the city in the first fifty years of the last century. This book has a hundred images (thankfully in 175dpi) taken by commercial photographers Peyser and Patzig probably for architects and builders as a record of their endeavours.
   
   It is the detail in the photos that makes the book so fascinating. Taken on eight by ten glass negs after carefully selecting the right position reveals street scenes and buildings where you can read the road signs and study the detail work on skyscrapers that would be impossible to see from street level. Nearly all the photos are of commercial property though near the end there shots of tenements, shops, sport arenas and Coney Island. Needless to say many of the buildings shown came down years ago.
   
   Each picture has the name of the building or city area and Christopher Gray adds more detail on six pages at the back of the book and this is where I felt the reader has been badly let down by the publishers. There are 130 photo pages yet only sixteen have page numbers, which makes nonsense of Gray's page numbered captions and the three page comprehensive index. Strangely page 105, with a whole page photo does have a number and this, I assume, was to be the case with every page but someone screwed up! Very frustrating (and do I get a refund?).
   
   I recently reviewed a similar architectural photo book about New York City with 170 stunning photos taken by Samuel Gottscho between 1925 and 1940. Included are some marvellous Manhattan night photos as well as shop and house interiors. Gottscho's work helped to define the popular skyline silhouette image of the big American city. Have a look at 'The Mythic City' (ISBN 1568985622) by Donald Albrecht.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



5. A wonderful pictoral history of early 20th century New York. One will be astounded at the space between the buildings of the city and the level of architecture throughout. In our daily hustle, this book reminds us of the beauty of the many buildings that make up the skyline of New York. Enjoy.

1 comments about Making Money from Photography in Every Conceivable Way.

1. The book includes lots of information you already know if you approach things with a modicum of common sense. E.g., this fragment is characteristic of the book: (p48) "Having drawn up a shortlist of (image) libraries you feel should be suitable for your work, the next stage is to find out exactly what they require." Duh! Similar "gems" abound: "once you have been accepted [...] you will be expected to sign a contract" (no example of a sample or typical contract is included). The chapter on stock image libraries does NOT even include a brief list of image libraries you may consider (n fact, not even one is listed!), or a single spec sheet from an actual existing image library to give you an idea of what each requires (in terms of size or file format), and there is no index or appendix of places to consider.
   
   Embarrassingly, the issue 57 of this year's (2007) Digital Camera magazine in its cover section titled "Make cash with your camera" (authored by the very articulate, no-nonsense freelancer and book author Lee Frost) provides more useful info than this book (e.g., the article includes a list of stock agencies that accept submissions from amateur freelancers, with requirements of size and image type, as well as website addresses, etc. for each).
   
   To make things worse, the author cannot decide if the book is to be on how to sell what you have, or how to generate it in the first place (e.g., a very general chapter on what lenses to use for wedding photography and similar sections on beginning technique are out of place here).
   
   My recommendation: save yourself the time and trouble. Get the back issue of Digital Camera, and you'll learn more.

2 comments about Walker Evans: The Hungry Eye.

1. This book is very informative of Walker Evans. It shows a wide variety of his work form portraiture to architecture, from the streets of New York to exotic places. It not only shows the works of art but also shows short blurbs about the place he was at and what was happening in his life; like why he was there and what he wanted out of the photo shoot.
   
   The part I like best about this book is that it references whose work he was admiring at the time. It also references his feelings, whether it was something he hated or something that was inspiring him. The print of the book is also very representational. It shows in great detail the contrast and depth of the works of art. I give the book 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading the book.



2. signs, space, forms. These were his world and were his words. he found the special language with signs. and his language was the expression of his own world which would be woldwide. his hungry eyes saw the world through his angry intelligence with the pronteer.

5 comments about Orbit: NASA Astronauts Photograph the Earth.

1. Awesome pictures taken form high up in the sky. One can find unique views that are beyond imagination. Also included necessary information regarding NASA expeditions.



2. Shuttle astronaut Jay Apt, together with scientists Michael Helfert and Justin Wilkinson, has put together a wonderful book of photographs under the auspices of National Geographic, Orbit. These are all photographs taken by astronauts from the space shuttle while in orbit (with a few exceptions, historically significant photographs from moon circlings and early trips into space). Photography, interestingly enough, is never really scheduled as a shuttle activity, but rather done 'in between' the other assignments. The photographs included in this book do not come from special 'space' cameras, but rather from regular hand-held, off-the-shelf cameras that astronauts took with them.

   The shuttle offers a unique platform for photography, to say the least. It has 11 different windows, and as the shuttle orbits in what one might consider an upside-down position, the windows and cargo-bay with doors open are almost always facing the earth. Astronauts take lots of film with them, and record many phenomena. This book is divided geographically, by earth region: Africa, Europe and the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Middle and South America, and North America. There is also a special section on the Aurora, with dazzling photographs of things that look right out of Star Trek!

   The images include daytime and nighttime views, calm views and stormy views. One can see hurricanes and cyclones from high above, stretching their entire lengths across great portions of the globe. One can see the difference lighting makes in an urban area at night, the way terrain and human-engineering connect, and how much of the world seems to remain unspoilt when viewed from a distance of even a few hundred miles away.

   This is a remarkable book, full of glorious photographs of the 'home world', a great coffee-table book, a great gift, and a great guide of inspiration for younger readers who might be interested in science, geography, or even becoming an astronaut.




3. Astronaut Jay Apt, with the help of geographer Justin Wilkinson and climatologist Michael Helfert, has assembled a book full of pictures of Earth taken from orbit. These photographs were chosen from over a 145,000 that are available from the NASA photographic library and focus on many different aspects of our planet's geology and climate. The large coffee table style format and the high quality of the reproductions allows this book bring out the stunning features of our home and is welcome addition to anyone who is interested in space photography, especially since most of the book is photographs and very little text.

   The book is divided into sections covering each continent, the Pacific Ocean and the aurora. To show the range of Earth's geology and climate, each section highlights the major geological features found in each region and if appropriate mankind's influence. To further emphasis to geological diversity of the planet, occasional surface photographs that correspond to an orbital photograph are also included. For example, in the section on Africa, there are photos of the Nile, Nile cities, the Sahara desert, various coastline features and cloud formations. The only portions of the Earth not covered are the North and South Poles, since the shuttle does not fly over these regions. There is also one extremely interesting two page map spread which shows the location of each one of the 268,000 photographs taken by the astronauts.

   This book is one of my favorite space photography books and I look at it often and each time that I do I always notice something different. This is a great book and well worth the price.




4. Truely a magnificent piece of work to wiew the wonder of God's creation leaves you in awe of the beauty of the Earth. I pick it up regularly, for maximum enjoyment choose times where you are not rushed so you can drink in the superb pictures. A book no household can afford to be without.



5. The book is published by National Geographic, so it goes without saying that the quality of the photographs is superb. But to look at this collection of space-born images is to never see the earth in the same way again. All the contintents and oceans are covered and even the Aurora is documented. The astronauts who took these photographs are some of the luckiest men and women on (or off) the earth, and this book will show you why.

   Despite all that man has done to harm the environment, many of the photographs give you an eerie sense of what it might've been like to look down on the earth thousands of years ago, seeing only a beautiful collection of shapes, colors and clouds. Some pictures of the African desert and its coastline will leave you breathless.

   A wonderful collection that beats satellite imagery any day of the week.

5 comments about The Ballet Book: Learning and Appreciating the Secrets of Dance.

1. This book is nothing but spectacular photography and interesting behind-the-scenes looks at one of the most beautiful arts in the world. I love ballet and I can't get enough of it. This book is one of my favorite things ever and it's a great addition to any book collection. Stories, costumes, and props for various major ballets from Nutcrakcer to Sleeping Beauty were a pleasant surprise that added to the quality of this book.



2. A comprehensive overview of the workings of a major ballet company,in this case American Ballet Theatre, with detailed insights from administrators, students, staff, and principal dancers. Not only are various levels of experience explored (from corps to principals) but also some of the training involved and differences between styles of performance: Virtuoso/bravura, Lyrical/Adagio, Allegro. In short, what makes a dancer great or a performance work. There are also explanations of rehearsal scheduling, tech/dress rehearsals, and why time is money too.
   
   The section on the details of partnering--especially lifts and preventing mistakes in timing or perception--was interesting because this is an area not usually covered in simple manuals of positions. Also the sections on what aspects of technique matter--e.g. purity of line, consistancy of positioning--besides the pyrotechniques of 32 fouettes or soaring ballon may help others see it's not all tricks. And finally someone shows proper hands and says no to 'droopy wrists'!
   
   There are a wealth of photographs: Both corps demonstrating positions and rehearsing; Irina Kolpakova, Kevin McKenzie, Kirk Peterson, Guillaum Graffin teaching; Lar Lubovich choreographing; and the principals in performance of the major repertoire. Enjoy the pictures of current and up-and-coming soloist/corps members--some of whom are now principals. There are also one or two photos of principals prepping in their dressing rooms and/or the wings. The contrast between the dancers and the backstage gaffer/fly/grip staff and big$-donors observing rehearsals is also amusing.
   
   All in all, a lovely overview of ABT busy at work bringing insight and enjoyment to us fans, however knowledgeable we are--or not. A good purchase, especially for the details provided and knowing comments of the dancers and teacher/coaches.



3. A beautiful book with photos and some text.
   There is no real explanation of how to do anything ballet.
   That is OK. Just understand that this is basically a book for decoration, not instruction.



4. I love everything about the text, photos. I use do ballet, but I didn't know anything about it when I took ballet. So this book is showing and telling about it. Its defintly a keepsake for me and my kids, grandkids, and so on. Thank you.



5. I just got this book a week ago and I love it! I am a 12 year old ballet dancer looking for new ways to improve myself in technique and choreography and this was definently the book to do that! The Ballet Book is now my favorite book and I read it when I have free time(when I am not dancing). The pictures were beautiful and had everything I needed to know right there! Thank you for this wonderful book!!!!!!!!

4 comments about Louisiana Plantation Homes: A Return to Splendor.

1. A well done book on Louisiana's spectacular plantations. The state is blessed with the best of these old homes and this book captures the essense of these structures quite well. All of the famous plantations are given several images and the text though not indepth is revealing. This is not quite as good as Gleasons book on the same subject, but it is close and makes a great companion book to it. If you have any interest in these singular buildings then i highly recommend this book along with Gleasons.



2. This is a great book for anyone who is interested in plantation homes. It has over 80 wonderful photographs, and tells the story of each home shown. There are even two or three victorian style homes, built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Very interesting and informative. I would recommend this book to anyone, wether your buying it for the information or the photographs!



3. the book has lovely photos and briefly tells about each home. It would have been nice if there were more photos of the interior of homes. But the book has beautiful photography and is overall: GREAT!



4. This book is hands-down one of the most beautiful picture books on Louisiana's remaining plantation homes. While most are in exquisite condition, there are a very few which aren't. The short story of each plantation home is interesting and the photographs are gorgeous! It makes one want to go out, find a plantation home, buy it and restore it! The reader will be amazed at the wealth these planters accumulated, manifested in these awesome homes. Not all of the homes are huge antebelllum mansions, though. I personally found the Creole plantations wonderful examples of a simple albeit beautiful home. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves old homes, Southern architecture or photography in general.

3 comments about Russia: Beyond Utopia.

1. This is one of the rare books that gave me pure pleasure. Andrew Moore's pictures of Russia are not to be just looked at but contemplated. Returning to them one discovers each time something more about their beauty and the story they tell. Andrew Moore makes us see things our eyes would never have seen if we had visited those same places. The editor is also to be congratulated for the great quality of the book.



2. I was disappointed when I looked through this book. I am not sure what I was expecting. I might have kept the book if I had understood more of the pictures. I have been to Russia 3 times and I guess I saw more things that I would have included in this book. Russia is far from a utopia and to not picture the every day tourist scenes is perfectly fine, but I guess I would have wanted more explanations. The picture quality however was very good.



3. What a delightful collection of photos from modern Russia. What particularly lured me into buying this book was first, a fascination for Russia, for life in its newly changed government, and because this book shows two sides of the country, both the decadent imperialist past and the new, modern Russia. What stikes me most in these photos is the incongruency in the every day elements of life, the mix of building materials that were no doubt selected for their functional rather than selected for any artistic merit, and how it all blends together to create a certain 'look' to the country.
   
   Some photos that caught my eye include a derailed line of boxcars shot at the port of Okha, a side-car motorcycle posing in front of a boxy two-story apartment building near the sea of Okhotsk, and a well manicured dining area at the Ukrania Sanitorium, color coordinated in white, light blue and red, illuminated both by natural light and a lit chandelier. Most of the photos are populated with people, some showing both the residents and their environs, and other photos focusing more on the land and structures of the country itself.
   
   The range of the 120 plates leaves me with such a visually mixed reaction to the country, from its vastness, to its natural beauty, with a touch of gloom.
   
   I am very pleased that I bought this book.

No comments about Mackinac Island.