The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death

Rating:
Summary: One of my new favorite books
Review: I picked up a copy of this book last week at a Chelsea art opening of the author's work. I think that the book is fabulous, both on the level that its subject matter is fascinating and in the quality and artistry of the photographs. I like the ambiguity of the pictures. The dioramas and stories are both intriguing and mysterious--there are no easy answers, which makes the book an intellectually interesting and challenging read. I notice new things each time I pick it up. All of the friends that I have shown the book to have loved it. Can't recommend it highly enough!

Rating:
Summary: And the Truth Shall Set You Free
Review: The original Nutshell Studies were dioramas of evil and tragedy, created over 60 years ago by Chicago heiress Frances Glessner Lee, who used them to train investigators in the art of dissecting a crime. The presentation of these meticulously and faithfully reproduced scenes of mayhem - at a 1:12 scale - forced investigators to literally see "the little things," at a time when ignorant officers often ruined evidence critical to solving the case.
Author Corinne May Botz, who also shot the multiple-angle photographs of the 18 models, explores how conflicts and contrasts are at the heart of the dioramas as well as their creator, Lee. Botz suggests that Lee expressed her tension and ambivalence about her place in society through these equally conflicted and violent still lifes.
I gave this book 5 stars because I appreciated its fine quality - it is beautifully produced by Monacelli Press - but I also respected the way Botz's accompanying essays draw parallels rather than conclusions between Lee's life and her unconventional Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death. Botz's essay's show that whether it is a crime scene or a personal journey, the search for truth is what good investigators seek. Lee would have been proud.


Rating:
Summary: Wonderful concept, disappointing pictures
Review: The story of the Nutshell Studies is wonderful and intriguing. The Studies themselves are also intriguing... I think. The problem is that the photographs in this book are artsily blurry. I couldn't see the crime scenes clearly. An especial frustration is that there are line drawings of the crime scenes with clues marked -- but there's no corresponding photograph! It's very annoying to be told, for instance, that a doll's face is red from carbon monoxide when I can't see that face in any of the pictures.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Concept, Wonderful Pictures
Review: This book really is about the images. The forensic and investigative side of the book is intrigueing as well, but they are not the only focus. The line-drawing diagrams were added as an editorial compromise to a strictly photographic book. Corinnes' very large (30"x40"+) prints are currently being shown in manhattan and are very impressive on a larger scale as well. I very highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Not bad
Review: This is an interesting book for people who are into crime mysteries. However, I found it frustrating that except for 3-4 of the cases, the explanations for the deaths weren't provided. For each case that I studied, I was left without a feeling of closure and it was a little discomforting. Of course, the subject matter is eerie and morose anyway, but nevertheless... Finally, I agree with the reviewer who said that Corinne May Botz photographed the dioramas in a way that is not the best for documenting and viewing Frances Glessner Lee's work for studying. In fact, Botz's strange angles and selective focusing tend to mislead the viewer who might be looking for clues. I think it would have been better to let Frances Glessner Lee's work speak for itself. Instead, we have a photographer interpreting another artist's work. I'm not sure if there are other books documenting Lee's work, but I think this book is ok just for its unique subject matter.