Bruce of Los Angeles (American Photography of the Male Nude 1940-1970, Volume 1)

Rating:
Summary: A Missed Opportunity
Review: Considering the breadth and scope of his work, its innovative nature and ability to tweak censorship laws before the 1960s, this book doesn't do justice to Bruce of LA. So little has been written on him, and it's disappointing that this book fails to deliver the most basic information. Biographical material here is limited to a single page while none of the photos are assigned even approximate dates, let alone locations and models' names (one can learn more by checking out on-line auctions of Bruce's work). It's too bad the editor of this series didn't see fit to offer more than a mere random selection of Bruce's images--nowhere near his best--without placing them in any cultural context whatsoever. As a new generation learns about the ones preceeding it, such information is crucial. Bruce of LA is an icon of 1940s, 50s and 60s. Too bad this book fails to address, let alone try to answer, the question why.

Rating:
Summary: nice photos but few words
Review: work of Bruce is well shown but we can regret a so short text about the photograph. The book is not pleasant to read (nothing to read) but is really pleasant to watch (nice pics).