Rating: 
Summary: Startlingly banal and irritating
Review: I want to preface this comment by saying that I'm a fan of Jock Sturges. I think some of his photographs are some of the most striking portraits I've ever seen, and I am neither distressed nor incensed by the fact that a number of them are naked pictures of youngish girls.That said, I find David Hamilton's work to be without any readily apparent artistic merit. He depends entirely on the attractiveness of his subjects, which is admittedly generally present, but hardly all that is necessary for a good photograph. The poses are stiff, non-artistic, and largely identical. The expressions seem to be whatever the person having the portrait taken could scare up when the camera happened to be pointed at them. And the 'poetry' that captions Age of Innocence? Don't even get me started; it's sickly-sweet and banal. If you're going to put poetry to your book of photographs, a good guide is the 'Family of' series ('Family of Man,' 'Family of Woman', 'Family of Children'), which at least uses stuff that doesn't sound like it came out something off of sunday morning TV. (Well, in the US.) Overall, I received this book as a gift, and the best thing I can say about it is that, before I gave it away to some other poor fool, it kept my Jock Sturges books from falling over.
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Summary: Hamilton Gift
Review: I have reviewed David Hamilton's photos for years. This book is an excellent example of his work. His talent is truly a gift and this book belongs with anyone appreciative of this genre. Worth every penny and highly recommended.
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Summary: pure genius
Review: This book is an absolute classic.The photo's and the beautiful text go together to really make your day.This is without doubt the best book i have ever bought.
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Summary: Nude Photography by Hamilton
Review: This book takes a sensual look at beautiful young people and nature. Although it is not Hamilton's best (see 25 Years of an Artist for a great sampling of his previous work), it is definately a great buy. I'd also recommend family naturist books for those interested in the beauty of youth and nature 'Holy Nature: A Celebration of Naturism in Todays Russia' is one such book sold through Amazon (excellent choice for Hamilton fans).
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Summary: review of "age of innocence"
Review: just wanted to write a rewiew of this book-some may think this is porno, but it's not. i have seen a few samples of pictures from this book, and they are, in no way, pornographic! the thing that some people to forget is, without clothes, WE ALL would be nude. i can understand that some may find these pictures offensive because of these girl's ages, but remember, this is art, in the purest form.
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Summary: A fantastic book---with one exception.
Review: David Hamilton has created a wonderful book that is, admittedly, not for everyone. Yet, even I object to the picture on the last book which shows a man in bed with a young girl. It gives the feeling of an "intrusion" upon an idyllic scene by an alien being. Other wise, the book is a picture of paradise, a glimpse into the Anglo-Saxon world before Victorian times.
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Summary: Surprising
Review: I'm a devout Christian, and when I first heard on a Christian talk radio show that I listen to that Amazon.com was peddling child pornography, it raised my ire. I went home, and, as instructed by the radio talk show host, began to write an angry threatening letter to Amazon.com. My teenage daughter who I love and cherish in spite of our admit generational gap issues, asked me why I was writing a critical letter about a title I had never read. Well -- sometimes us older folks need to listen to our children. I put the letter on hold, and agreed to take a look at the book. While I didn't go out of my way to find it, I happened upon it at a bookstore the following day. And I have to admit -- this is NOT pornography at all. The poses of these beautiful young women is not at all provocative or seductive or arousing. This is art that shows the beautiful body that the Lord created. I don't understand the criticism, and am truly sorry that I nearly sent off an ignorant letter. If you're considering criticizing this book, I suggest that you READ it first! Though you may not like it, you may very well decide that this is NOT as bad as some of those organizing letter-writing campaigns are saying.
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Summary: art, not pornography
Review: Hamilton's best work yet. This photographic journey into the budding sexuality of young girls entices the reader to explore the nature of adolescence in all its many facets. For all those bible-thumpers who are quick to judge-- look at the book and you will see beauty, not pornography. These girls are absolutely beautiful.
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Summary: Great book that requires a companion
Review: I've had this interesting book in my library for a while now but was always concerned with the possible legal issues surrounding books of this nature. Then I ran ran across what I would call a companion book for any Hamilton book called "Life and Death on the Internet" by Keith A. Schroeder. If you own a Hamilton or enjoy any good books, photography or other art, then you must also own Schroeder's book as well.
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Summary: The Shakespeare of the Lens
Review: As a young man utterly fascinated by women, I find THE AGE OF INNOCENCE, like many of Hamilton's other books, invaluable - at least as far as the visual content goes. Most of these dozens of girls appear to be in their mid-teens, but one notices not so much their sexuality as their personalities. Thus, one girl has a strong domineering streak, another a maternal aspect, yet another a carefree, fun-loving disposition, and still another an impish and sly character. The content of THE AGE OF INNOCENCE is bound to elicit some negative reception, but consider that many of these photos show fully clothed models and few are really provocative. In fact, the more provocative photos, such as those from the series at the end showing young lovers roaming the beach and preparing for love, are my least favorite. Also, the introductory essay is embarrassing and many of the quotes liberally interspersed throughout this lengthy book - even those by writers many of us would normally accord respect - are jarring in their comparative lack of subtlety. There can hardly be any more proof of Hamilton's artistry and intentions than his making certain verbal poetic evocations of females and their nature clumsy and unnatural by comparison. So, my advice is get the book and avoid most of the text (Shakespeare is one of the few assets in the writing department here). I rate this book five stars notwithstanding the reservations noted above. And, although many of these photos have appeared in previous Hamilton volumes, their quantity and variety compensate for this.
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