Avedon at Work : In the American West

Rating:
Summary: tragically beautiful
Review: I think this is a wonderful book that documents and sheds light on the meaning of Richard Avedon's "In the American West" project. I spent one sunday afternoon becoming totally absorbed into this book and felt like I was there watching and feeling all the emotional things that went on within Avedon and his subjects. The story of Richard Garber made me cry. Much of the subjects suffered some form of tragedy and yet there was something very beautiful, "terrifyingly beautiful" as Avedon would say about them. After reading this book you can really see further into those images Avedon made, and mostly why he chose a particular image over another. Richard Avedon in my opinion is the greatest photographer of all time and I don't think there will be another photographer with his charisma and devotion. My only complaint about the book is that I wanted to experience more stories.

Rating:
Summary: Get it
Review: I think this is a wonderful book that documents and sheds light on the meaning of Richard Avedon's "In the American West" project. I spent one sunday afternoon becoming totally absorbed into this book and felt like I was there watching and feeling all the emotional things that went on within Avedon and his subjects. The story of Richard Garber made me cry. Much of the subjects suffered some form of tragedy and yet there was something very beautiful, "terrifyingly beautiful" as Avedon would say about them. After reading this book you can really see further into those images Avedon made, and mostly why he chose a particular image over another. Richard Avedon in my opinion is the greatest photographer of all time and I don't think there will be another photographer with his charisma and devotion. My only complaint about the book is that I wanted to experience more stories.

Rating:
Summary: Get it
Review: The book is a gem. Not only sheds a bit of light into Avedon's technique and working methods, but also brings to life the often sad stories behind the powerful images. Highly recommended. Now, if they would only re-issue the original monograph..