The concept for this book is simple: 500 photographers, 500 pages. Arranged alphabetically, each of the photographers--from contemporary Dutch cameraman Hans Aarsman to mid-century New York shutterbug James Van Der Zee--gets a full, oversized page. On it is a large, expertly reproduced image and a concise caption packed with information about the photographer and his or her work. The coincidental alignment of photos of different eras and aesthetic sensibilities provides unusual and exciting contrasts that add an extra dimension to readers' perception of the work. Rineke Dijkstra's color-saturated shot of a bikini-clad beachgoer in South Carolina faces a Mike Disfarmer portrait of a rural Arkansas couple in 1943. Imogen Cunningham's inimitable Nude is here, along with a more surprising image--My Mother, Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, a color-photo collage by painter David Hockney. With iconic photographs like Alfred Eisenstaedt's shot of a sailor and a nurse kissing in Times Square on V-J Day, historic ones like Larry Burrows's shot of wounded U.S. soldiers in Vietnam, and pop images like David LaChapelle's picture of a bodybuilder posing amid a cluster of little boys aping his stance, the scope of this visual encyclopedia is truly epic. And with its incredibly low price tag, there's no better value out there for fans of photography.The concept for this book is simple: 500 photographers, 500 pages. Arranged alphabetically, each of the photographers--from contemporary Dutch cameraman Hans Aarsman to mid-20th-century New York snap-happy James Van Der Zee--gets a full, oversized page. On it is a large, expertly reproduced image and a concise caption packed with information about the photographer and his or her work. The coincidental alignment of photos of different eras and aesthetic sensibilities provides unusual and exciting contrasts that add an extra dimension to readers' perception of the work. Rineke Dijkstra's colour-saturated shot of a bikini-clad beachgoer in South Carolina faces a Mike Disfarmer portrait of a rural Arkansas couple in 1943. Imogen Cunningham's inimitable Nude is here, along with a more surprising image--My Mother, Bolton Abbey, and Yorkshire, a colour-photo collage by painter David Hockney.

With iconic photographs like Alfred Eisenstaedt's shot of a sailor and a nurse kissing in Times Square, New York on V-J Day, historic ones like Larry Burrows' shot of wounded US soldiers in Vietnam, and pop images like David LaChapelle's picture of a bodybuilder posing amid a cluster of little boys aping his stance, the scope of this visual encyclopedia is truly epic. And with its incredibly low price tag, there's no better value out there for fans of photography.

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

An ideal approach..., 11 Feb 2005
I used this book as part of a photography module on my degree and found it a very useful and clear cut.

The ideas, advice and conventions in the book will help any photogrophy student as well as many artists on their way to creating well thought out imagery.

Clarkes accessable masterpiece!, 10 May 2000
Graham Clarke has given the kind of theoratical advice which will help any Photography student through the hard times a marvelous read which is easy to follow and explains the codes and conventions in which we are all governed by.. A must for all photographers!

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

An ideal approach..., 11 Feb 2005
I used this book as part of a photography module on my degree and found it a very useful and clear cut.

The ideas, advice and conventions in the book will help any photogrophy student as well as many artists on their way to creating well thought out imagery.

Clarkes accessable masterpiece!, 10 May 2000
Graham Clarke has given the kind of theoratical advice which will help any Photography student through the hard times a marvelous read which is easy to follow and explains the codes and conventions in which we are all governed by.. A must for all photographers!

Valuable addition to any photography students bookshelf, 24 Apr 2005
I purchased this book as I am hoping to start a degree in photography in September 2005 and wanted to start "reading around" my subject. Although I haven't read this entire book, it is all ready proving its worth as the chapters' reference many other critical and theoretical works on photography that I have now started reading to widen my knowledge. It seems then that this book is ideal for dipping in and out of every now and then in order to push intriguing minds into other areas of the subject of photography. Therefore I'm sure it will prove a valuable addition to my bookshelf for my remaining years as a photography student.

The concept for this book is simple: 500 photographers, 500 pages. Arranged alphabetically, each of the photographers--from contemporary Dutch cameraman Hans Aarsman to mid-century New York shutterbug James Van Der Zee--gets a full, oversized page. On it is a large, expertly reproduced image and a concise caption packed with information about the photographer and his or her work. The coincidental alignment of photos of different eras and aesthetic sensibilities provides unusual and exciting contrasts that add an extra dimension to readers' perception of the work. Rineke Dijkstra's color-saturated shot of a bikini-clad beachgoer in South Carolina faces a Mike Disfarmer portrait of a rural Arkansas couple in 1943. Imogen Cunningham's inimitable Nude is here, along with a more surprising image--My Mother, Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, a color-photo collage by painter David Hockney. With iconic photographs like Alfred Eisenstaedt's shot of a sailor and a nurse kissing in Times Square on V-J Day, historic ones like Larry Burrows's shot of wounded U.S. soldiers in Vietnam, and pop images like David LaChapelle's picture of a bodybuilder posing amid a cluster of little boys aping his stance, the scope of this visual encyclopedia is truly epic. And with its incredibly low price tag, there's no better value out there for fans of photography.The concept for this book is simple: 500 photographers, 500 pages. Arranged alphabetically, each of the photographers--from contemporary Dutch cameraman Hans Aarsman to mid-20th-century New York snap-happy James Van Der Zee--gets a full, oversized page. On it is a large, expertly reproduced image and a concise caption packed with information about the photographer and his or her work. The coincidental alignment of photos of different eras and aesthetic sensibilities provides unusual and exciting contrasts that add an extra dimension to readers' perception of the work. Rineke Dijkstra's colour-saturated shot of a bikini-clad beachgoer in South Carolina faces a Mike Disfarmer portrait of a rural Arkansas couple in 1943. Imogen Cunningham's inimitable Nude is here, along with a more surprising image--My Mother, Bolton Abbey, and Yorkshire, a colour-photo collage by painter David Hockney.

With iconic photographs like Alfred Eisenstaedt's shot of a sailor and a nurse kissing in Times Square, New York on V-J Day, historic ones like Larry Burrows' shot of wounded US soldiers in Vietnam, and pop images like David LaChapelle's picture of a bodybuilder posing amid a cluster of little boys aping his stance, the scope of this visual encyclopedia is truly epic. And with its incredibly low price tag, there's no better value out there for fans of photography.

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

An ideal approach..., 11 Feb 2005
I used this book as part of a photography module on my degree and found it a very useful and clear cut.

The ideas, advice and conventions in the book will help any photogrophy student as well as many artists on their way to creating well thought out imagery.

Clarkes accessable masterpiece!, 10 May 2000
Graham Clarke has given the kind of theoratical advice which will help any Photography student through the hard times a marvelous read which is easy to follow and explains the codes and conventions in which we are all governed by.. A must for all photographers!

Valuable addition to any photography students bookshelf, 24 Apr 2005
I purchased this book as I am hoping to start a degree in photography in September 2005 and wanted to start "reading around" my subject. Although I haven't read this entire book, it is all ready proving its worth as the chapters' reference many other critical and theoretical works on photography that I have now started reading to widen my knowledge. It seems then that this book is ideal for dipping in and out of every now and then in order to push intriguing minds into other areas of the subject of photography. Therefore I'm sure it will prove a valuable addition to my bookshelf for my remaining years as a photography student.

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

Philip Steadman's remarkable book, Vermeer's Camera, cracks an artistic enigma that has haunted art history for centuries. Over the years artists and art historians have marvelled at the extraordinary visual realism of the paintings of the 17th-century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. The painter's spectacular View of Delft, painted around 1661, and the beautiful domestic interior The Music Lesson seem almost photographic in their incredible detail and precise perspective. Since the 19th century, experts have speculated that Vermeer used a camera obscura, an early precursor of the modern camera. However, conclusive proof was never discovered, until now. In Vermeer's Camera, Philip Steadman conclusively proves that Vermeer did indeed use a camera obscura to complete his greatest canvases. Part art historical study, part scientific argument, but mainly a fascinating detective story, Vermeer's Camera argues that Vermeer had a camera obscura with a lens at the painting's viewpoint. He used this arrangement to project the scene onto the back wall of the room, which thus served as the camera's screen. He put paper on the wall and traced, perhaps even painted from the projected image. It is because Vermeer traced these images that they are the same size as the paintings themselves. Steadman painstakingly develops his argument through careful study of the history of the camera obscura, an exploration of 17th-century optics, and a detailed study of the light, optics, perspective and measurement of a series of Vermeer's paintings. He goes to remarkable lengths to reconstruct Vermeer's studio and its furnishings, down to the angle of the light from its windows.

The science is complex, but always clearly explained. Nor is this an attempt to reveal Vermeer as an artistic "cheat". Steadman convincingly argues that "Vermeer's obsessions with light, tonal values, shadow, and colour, for the treatment of which his work is so admired, are very closely bound up with his study of the special qualities of optical images". Vermeer's Camera is a wonderful book, that shows the ways in which, during the 17th century, art and science went hand in hand. It offers an enlarged, rather than reduced perspective on Vermeer. --Jerry Brotton

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

An ideal approach..., 11 Feb 2005
I used this book as part of a photography module on my degree and found it a very useful and clear cut.

The ideas, advice and conventions in the book will help any photogrophy student as well as many artists on their way to creating well thought out imagery.

Clarkes accessable masterpiece!, 10 May 2000
Graham Clarke has given the kind of theoratical advice which will help any Photography student through the hard times a marvelous read which is easy to follow and explains the codes and conventions in which we are all governed by.. A must for all photographers!

Valuable addition to any photography students bookshelf, 24 Apr 2005
I purchased this book as I am hoping to start a degree in photography in September 2005 and wanted to start "reading around" my subject. Although I haven't read this entire book, it is all ready proving its worth as the chapters' reference many other critical and theoretical works on photography that I have now started reading to widen my knowledge. It seems then that this book is ideal for dipping in and out of every now and then in order to push intriguing minds into other areas of the subject of photography. Therefore I'm sure it will prove a valuable addition to my bookshelf for my remaining years as a photography student.

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

A gripping book, 10 May 2002
This book is a must for anyone interested in art - or even who just wants a good read. It's rather like a detective story. What is the evidence that Vermeer used a camera obscura to help create his paintings? The colour plates are rather good, too. A bargain.

A Camera's Delight!, 03 Dec 2001
Steadman's really cracked it with this brilliant, informative book. It gives great inside information, and really was a splendid read. Fantastic!!

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

An ideal approach..., 11 Feb 2005
I used this book as part of a photography module on my degree and found it a very useful and clear cut.

The ideas, advice and conventions in the book will help any photogrophy student as well as many artists on their way to creating well thought out imagery.

Clarkes accessable masterpiece!, 10 May 2000
Graham Clarke has given the kind of theoratical advice which will help any Photography student through the hard times a marvelous read which is easy to follow and explains the codes and conventions in which we are all governed by.. A must for all photographers!

Valuable addition to any photography students bookshelf, 24 Apr 2005
I purchased this book as I am hoping to start a degree in photography in September 2005 and wanted to start "reading around" my subject. Although I haven't read this entire book, it is all ready proving its worth as the chapters' reference many other critical and theoretical works on photography that I have now started reading to widen my knowledge. It seems then that this book is ideal for dipping in and out of every now and then in order to push intriguing minds into other areas of the subject of photography. Therefore I'm sure it will prove a valuable addition to my bookshelf for my remaining years as a photography student.

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

A gripping book, 10 May 2002
This book is a must for anyone interested in art - or even who just wants a good read. It's rather like a detective story. What is the evidence that Vermeer used a camera obscura to help create his paintings? The colour plates are rather good, too. A bargain.

A Camera's Delight!, 03 Dec 2001
Steadman's really cracked it with this brilliant, informative book. It gives great inside information, and really was a splendid read. Fantastic!!

Just to clarify ..., 12 Sep 2008
This is, in fact, an excellent slice of social history, written and photographed in the 1870s, highly descriptive of London life at the time. I think the above reviewer is a little confused - the photographs are familiar because three or four of them (eg. 'The Crawlers') have been used repeatedly by other publications, exhibitions etc. ever since. Nonetheless, this is a reprint of the original 1870s publication in which said photographs appeared, and well worth your money.

A RE-HASH OF PAST WORKS?, 06 Sep 2008
I really was hoping this was going to be a fresh look on an old theme as there has been many books done on this type of thing in the past but unfortunately I was very disappointed because NOT only were there VERY FEW PHOTOGRAPHS in the book compared to the amount of text, which is EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE TITLE OF THE IMPLIES an awful lot of them will have been seen before in other similar previously printed books on the subject. All in all extremely hoodwinking and I recommend others to avoid it like the plague !

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

An ideal approach..., 11 Feb 2005
I used this book as part of a photography module on my degree and found it a very useful and clear cut.

The ideas, advice and conventions in the book will help any photogrophy student as well as many artists on their way to creating well thought out imagery.

Clarkes accessable masterpiece!, 10 May 2000
Graham Clarke has given the kind of theoratical advice which will help any Photography student through the hard times a marvelous read which is easy to follow and explains the codes and conventions in which we are all governed by.. A must for all photographers!

Valuable addition to any photography students bookshelf, 24 Apr 2005
I purchased this book as I am hoping to start a degree in photography in September 2005 and wanted to start "reading around" my subject. Although I haven't read this entire book, it is all ready proving its worth as the chapters' reference many other critical and theoretical works on photography that I have now started reading to widen my knowledge. It seems then that this book is ideal for dipping in and out of every now and then in order to push intriguing minds into other areas of the subject of photography. Therefore I'm sure it will prove a valuable addition to my bookshelf for my remaining years as a photography student.

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

A gripping book, 10 May 2002
This book is a must for anyone interested in art - or even who just wants a good read. It's rather like a detective story. What is the evidence that Vermeer used a camera obscura to help create his paintings? The colour plates are rather good, too. A bargain.

A Camera's Delight!, 03 Dec 2001
Steadman's really cracked it with this brilliant, informative book. It gives great inside information, and really was a splendid read. Fantastic!!

Just to clarify ..., 12 Sep 2008
This is, in fact, an excellent slice of social history, written and photographed in the 1870s, highly descriptive of London life at the time. I think the above reviewer is a little confused - the photographs are familiar because three or four of them (eg. 'The Crawlers') have been used repeatedly by other publications, exhibitions etc. ever since. Nonetheless, this is a reprint of the original 1870s publication in which said photographs appeared, and well worth your money.

A RE-HASH OF PAST WORKS?, 06 Sep 2008
I really was hoping this was going to be a fresh look on an old theme as there has been many books done on this type of thing in the past but unfortunately I was very disappointed because NOT only were there VERY FEW PHOTOGRAPHS in the book compared to the amount of text, which is EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE TITLE OF THE IMPLIES an awful lot of them will have been seen before in other similar previously printed books on the subject. All in all extremely hoodwinking and I recommend others to avoid it like the plague !

An eye-opener, 07 Sep 2003
A super little paperback explaining nineteen fascinating photos. Some are so famous that millions must have seen them, like `Spanish Loyalist' by Robert Capa or perhaps not so famous, yet, like Joel-Witkins `Un Santo Oscuro'. Author Koetzle tells an interesting story about each one and he's done his research too, for instance mentioning the controversial removal of a thumb by Dorothea Lange from her `Migrant Mother' photo.

The nineteen photos are shown as spreads or whole page and other photos from the same shoot are also included. As they were all seen in a printed form the author has added a nice touch, a small reproduction of the original book or magazine that they appeared in. When I saw the reproductions I was reminded of Andrew Roth's 'Book of 101 Books, The: Seminal Photographic Books of the Twentieth Century' a book entirely composed of covers and spreads from great photobooks.

If you want to know the background to some great photos it's worth getting this beautifully designed and printed book and at a bargain price too. The first volume covers twenty greats from the early years of photography.

The concept for this book is simple: 500 photographers, 500 pages. Arranged alphabetically, each of the photographers--from contemporary Dutch cameraman Hans Aarsman to mid-century New York shutterbug James Van Der Zee--gets a full, oversized page. On it is a large, expertly reproduced image and a concise caption packed with information about the photographer and his or her work. The coincidental alignment of photos of different eras and aesthetic sensibilities provides unusual and exciting contrasts that add an extra dimension to readers' perception of the work. Rineke Dijkstra's color-saturated shot of a bikini-clad beachgoer in South Carolina faces a Mike Disfarmer portrait of a rural Arkansas couple in 1943. Imogen Cunningham's inimitable Nude is here, along with a more surprising image--My Mother, Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, a color-photo collage by painter David Hockney. With iconic photographs like Alfred Eisenstaedt's shot of a sailor and a nurse kissing in Times Square on V-J Day, historic ones like Larry Burrows's shot of wounded U.S. soldiers in Vietnam, and pop images like David LaChapelle's picture of a bodybuilder posing amid a cluster of little boys aping his stance, the scope of this visual encyclopedia is truly epic. And with its incredibly low price tag, there's no better value out there for fans of photography.The concept for this book is simple: 500 photographers, 500 pages. Arranged alphabetically, each of the photographers--from contemporary Dutch cameraman Hans Aarsman to mid-20th-century New York snap-happy James Van Der Zee--gets a full, oversized page. On it is a large, expertly reproduced image and a concise caption packed with information about the photographer and his or her work. The coincidental alignment of photos of different eras and aesthetic sensibilities provides unusual and exciting contrasts that add an extra dimension to readers' perception of the work. Rineke Dijkstra's colour-saturated shot of a bikini-clad beachgoer in South Carolina faces a Mike Disfarmer portrait of a rural Arkansas couple in 1943. Imogen Cunningham's inimitable Nude is here, along with a more surprising image--My Mother, Bolton Abbey, and Yorkshire, a colour-photo collage by painter David Hockney.

With iconic photographs like Alfred Eisenstaedt's shot of a sailor and a nurse kissing in Times Square, New York on V-J Day, historic ones like Larry Burrows' shot of wounded US soldiers in Vietnam, and pop images like David LaChapelle's picture of a bodybuilder posing amid a cluster of little boys aping his stance, the scope of this visual encyclopedia is truly epic. And with its incredibly low price tag, there's no better value out there for fans of photography.

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

An ideal approach..., 11 Feb 2005
I used this book as part of a photography module on my degree and found it a very useful and clear cut.

The ideas, advice and conventions in the book will help any photogrophy student as well as many artists on their way to creating well thought out imagery.

Clarkes accessable masterpiece!, 10 May 2000
Graham Clarke has given the kind of theoratical advice which will help any Photography student through the hard times a marvelous read which is easy to follow and explains the codes and conventions in which we are all governed by.. A must for all photographers!

Valuable addition to any photography students bookshelf, 24 Apr 2005
I purchased this book as I am hoping to start a degree in photography in September 2005 and wanted to start "reading around" my subject. Although I haven't read this entire book, it is all ready proving its worth as the chapters' reference many other critical and theoretical works on photography that I have now started reading to widen my knowledge. It seems then that this book is ideal for dipping in and out of every now and then in order to push intriguing minds into other areas of the subject of photography. Therefore I'm sure it will prove a valuable addition to my bookshelf for my remaining years as a photography student.

A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!

A gripping book, 10 May 2002
This book is a must for anyone interested in art - or even who just wants a good read. It's rather like a detective story. What is the evidence that Vermeer used a camera obscura to help create his paintings? The colour plates are rather good, too. A bargain.

A Camera's Delight!, 03 Dec 2001
Steadman's really cracked it with this brilliant, informative book. It gives great inside information, and really was a splendid read. Fantastic!!

Just to clarify ..., 12 Sep 2008
This is, in fact, an excellent slice of social history, written and photographed in the 1870s, highly descriptive of London life at the time. I think the above reviewer is a little confused - the photographs are familiar because three or four of them (eg. 'The Crawlers') have been used repeatedly by other publications, exhibitions etc. ever since. Nonetheless, this is a reprint of the original 1870s publication in which said photographs appeared, and well worth your money.

A RE-HASH OF PAST WORKS?, 06 Sep 2008
I really was hoping this was going to be a fresh look on an old theme as there has been many books done on this type of thing in the past but unfortunately I was very disappointed because NOT only were there VERY FEW PHOTOGRAPHS in the book compared to the amount of text, which is EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE TITLE OF THE IMPLIES an awful lot of them will have been seen before in other similar previously printed books on the subject. All in all extremely hoodwinking and I recommend others to avoid it like the plague !

An eye-opener, 07 Sep 2003
A super little paperback explaining nineteen fascinating photos. Some are so famous that millions must have seen them, like `Spanish Loyalist' by Robert Capa or perhaps not so famous, yet, like Joel-Witkins `Un Santo Oscuro'. Author Koetzle tells an interesting story about each one and he's done his research too, for instance mentioning the controversial removal of a thumb by Dorothea Lange from her `Migrant Mother' photo.

The nineteen photos are shown as spreads or whole page and other photos from the same shoot are also included. As they were all seen in a printed form the author has added a nice touch, a small reproduction of the original book or magazine that they appeared in. When I saw the reproductions I was reminded of Andrew Roth's 'Book of 101 Books, The: Seminal Photographic Books of the Twentieth Century' a book entirely composed of covers and spreads from great photobooks.

If you want to know the background to some great photos it's worth getting this beautifully designed and printed book and at a bargain price too. The first volume covers twenty greats from the early years of photography.



A brilliant book for enthusiasts, 20 Jan 2008
This book is presented beautifully with 500 pages of famous and less well known photographers who have made an impact on the art today. I think this book was made to entertain more than educate, with its lovely photographs but short descriptions.
I use The Photo Book to help me with college assignments in choosing photographers to study and styles to focus on. I think its perfect for amateurs who already have all sorts of book on technique, and shows us why photography is such a popular subject.
A great coffee table book, if nothing else.

okay - bit disappointing, 28 Apr 2005
I bought this book because I am always interested in the medium of photography and how things are 'caught' on camera but I found this book a bit disappointing and I thought the description with each photo was, to be honest, a bit rubbish. However perhaps that was becuase I bought the mini version, perhaps the bigger version has more description or makes more of an impact.

I think I am more interested in who the subject was or why the picture was important within photographical history but I found some of the photos a bit pointless and the description did not help me to see why this person was a famous photographer or why he/she was worthy to go in the book. However I guess if you are more of a photography student you would find the description more helpful and you would perhpas know more about the person's portfolio of work. I think I am more interested in photographs from a historical/social aspect, and if you're the same I would advise flicking through this book in a library/bookshop but not buying it.

Dull text - but too small tor ead anyway!, 19 Nov 2004
This is the large book squished down to a small format. So the text, which I assume was legible in the original version, is now too small to read comfortably.
It's impossible to open the book fully to look at the photos without breaking its spine.
When you have spoilt the book by opening it and managed to read the text you'll wish you hadn't bothered - it doesn't give you any insight whatsoever into the associated image.
Even at under £6 this is a waste of money.

Breaks down the old fashioned fiew of photography., 01 Jul 2000
This book shows the best examples of the variety of ways people use their cameras. It shows that you don't need to follow in the footsteps of the masters to get great photos and the great images can be of any subject. The'documenting' photographs, such as the first landing on the moon and the murder of a judge, show a moment in time that is unique and saved on film forever. Photography is not about the great technical skills of Ansel Adams of the ways of capturing human emotion like Bill Brandt, but about capturing a persons view of the world, which all of the photographers in the book have done. Vital in anybodies book collection even if photography doesn't interest them. It's an wonderful example of how we should all stop and take time out to view the world we live in, in a different way. Especially as the mini version is avaliable.

A good book for anyone who likes photography!, 22 Feb 2000
This book includes some classic photos mixed in with the extra ordinary . The use of text is particulally strong as it helps to solve the meaning of certain photos.The book has many strong points but one bad point is that you can't fit it into your pocket to read on the way to work!