Reader's Comments - Index of - Free

Dead Trees
decided to make a book, called "The Photography Book."
Their choice, to exhibit the gamut of photography, was to showcase the work of 500 different
photographers, some famous, others not. Each photographer is represented by a single photo and very
brief biographical information. To heighten interest, the editors have chosen to interpret each photo,
perhaps in a new way. I found myself thinking as much about the interpretation as I did the photo itself.
Many of the photos are famous; we've seen them in the news or on the coffee table before. Others will
be new to most readers, yet are equally worthy of collection here. Interestingly, some of the
photographers are not known for that avocation; for example, Neil Armstrong ("Buzz Aldrin on the
Moon") is better known as an American astronaut. Although American photographers are wellrepresented,
they do not dominate. This is truly a world book.
One of the most helpful features of the book is an extensive cross-reference between the pages. (If you
like Ansel Adams, you'll surely enjoy Willard Van Dyke.) Also helpful are a glossary of techniques and
terms; a glossary of movements, groups, and genres; and a directory of museums and galleries.
I've really enjoyed this book. I can flip it open to any page and spend a few minutes absorbing a
handsome photo, then reading some more about it. I don't always agree with the commentary (as I never
agreed with my english literature teachers), but I find it thought-provoking nevertheless.
There are few faults. The book is even heavier than a wooden tripod, or seems that way. Color
photography takes a back seat to black-and-white. And computer- manipulated photography is underrepresented
(though present.)
-- John L. Shelton, July 25, 2000
Amateur Photo (UK): if you live in the US you can probably get it from a Barnes+Noble store. It's
expensive (something like $7.50). It's weekly. I don't like their reviews - they look to me more like "how
to use this new toy" guides. Lens tests? Not very scientific, IMHO.
Petersen's Photographic (US): PATHETIC! I recently got one for their Minolta Maxxum 7 "review". I
strongly doubt they actually got their hands on this camera. First of all the article is signed "by the
Editors" and then the pictures of the camera are the ones you can find in the press kit. No serious testing,
only opinions such as "we liked Maxxum 7 a lot". Bottom line: forget it.
Popular Photography (US): pretty extensive equipment tests. No negative comments though. All the
products are brilliant, some of them even perfect. No comparison, no pros and cons, everything is good
and the sky is blue. Only the lens tests are better IMHO and they should give you an idea about the real
optical performances. My advice is to use them as a guidance only. BTW, if you want to get a second
opinion on lenses go to www.photodo.com
http://www.photo.net/books/ (11 of 20)7/3/2005 2:23:26 AM