Let’s start our photography book review with a book you’ll find in the cookery section, about literary food accounts! Confused?
Fictitious dishes : an album of literature’s most memorable meals
“Fictitious Dishes serves up a delectable assortment of photographic interpretations of culinary moments from contemporary and classic literature. Showcasing famous meals such as the madcap tea party from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the watery gruel from Oliver Twist, the lavish chicken breakfast from To Kill a Mockingbird, the stomach-turning avocado-and-crabmeat salad from The Bell Jar, and the seductive cupcakes from The Corrections, this unique volume pairs each place setting with the text from the book that inspired its creation. Interesting food facts and entertaining anecdotes about the authors, their work, and their culinary predilections complete this charming book, which is sure to whet the appetites of lovers of great literature and delicious dishes.” (Back cover)
Another title that doesn’t exactly fall into the Photography category and that you will actually find in the cookery section was worth adding to this month’s photography collection as it is as much an art book as it is a cookbook, featuring exquisite photography in a beautifully designed book.
Dabbous : the cookbook
“Occupying an urban space in London’s Fitzrovia, DABBOUS is the restaurant that has stunned critics and diners since it opened in 2012. Behind the sheet-metal door, Ollie Dabbous creates light, modern dishes that are both delicate and deceptively simple: jewel-like creations that are in stark contrast with the restaurant’s industrial décor.” (Inside cover)
She who tells a story : women photographers from Iran and the Arab world
“Clearly, women photographers from the Arab world are underrepresented voices in the art world. However, interest is at an all-time high since September 11 and the Arab Spring. Published on the occasion of an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, this catalogue seeks to address this problem by celebrating 12 women photographic and video artists who encompass wide-ranging photographic metaphors and imaging practices. Some artists, like Shirin Neshat, are well-known and highly acclaimed. Though most are virtually unknown, their works are no less powerful. These women artists should be seen and heard.” (Syndetics)
Fashion photography next
“Here is an exciting new survey of more than 30 young photographers from 14 countries who will have a pivotal role in shaping the fashion of the future. From Axel Hoedt’s bold graphic experimentation and fascination with traditional costume, to the colour-saturated, hyperreal images by Daniel Jackson, or the cool, neutral aesthetic of Hanna Putz’s photographs, the work is diverse, striking, sometimes shocking. This book embraces the fashion worlds obsession with freshness and youth: it looks beyond what is now and showcases what comes next.” (Syndetics)
Following last month’s first volume, I have lived in East London for 86 1/2 years, in a new series of diminutive photo books on East London, we now have two new titles added to our collection, completing the picture of the fascinating people living in this colourful part of London
East London swimmers
“Madeleine Waller’s intimate portraits of swimmers – both dressed and in their swimsuits -are set against personal stories that reveal the inner life of people who escape the city to swim in all conditions.” (Back cover)
A portrait of Hackney
“Hackney, though crime-ridden, poor and dilapidated, is also now London’s trendiest neighbourhood, and was home to the 2012 Olympics. Zed Nelson, a renowned photojournalist who both resides and grew up in the area, looks at some of the bizarre, often painful, contradictions caused by this rapid gentrification.” (Syndetics summary)
And before we leave East London, another recent publication documents commuter life in the 70′s
Underground
“While working as projectionish in a porn cinema in the 1980s, Bob Mazzer began photographing on the tube during his daily commute, creating irresistibly joyous pictures alive with humour and humanity. His pictures are published here for the first time.” (Syndetics summary)
Known unknowns : a new book
“100 individual essays illustrated with 198 arresting photographs tackle subjects as varied as the tattoo habits of Russian criminals, the Vatican’s favourite Barbie, North Korean traffic jams, American gun legislation and the world’s richest animal. Behind each poignant, startling and often disconcerting image lies a treasure trove of hidden histories. Drawing on a career that has seen him produce and collect some of the most iconic images of modern times, Charles Saatchi presents his own unique perspective on contemporary culture.” (Amazon.com)
The unforgettable photograph : 228 ideas, tips, and secrets for taking the best pictures of your life
“Renowned photographer George Lange’s work is guided by one simple truth: An unforgettable photograph is not about what the subject looks like, but what it feels like. In this entirely new kind of photography guide, written by Mr. Lange and Scott Mowbray, magazine editor and longtime amateur photographer, the rest of us will learn how to take photographs that don’t just document life but celebrate it. No fancy equipment required. Just hundreds of simple, inspiring ideas and lessons organized around the six essential principles of seeing like a photographer.” (Syndetics)
The photographer’s master guide to colour
“Color is key in photography, but very few photographers actually understand how it works – and new software and ever-improving camera sensors have now given them an infinite number of options. Finally, here is a thorough course on color and the role it plays in digital photography. The latest book by best-selling photographer Jeff Wignall will give you a new understanding of the important role color plays in the creation of successful photos, and let you take outstanding color photographs with any digital camera.” (Syndetics)
