John Berger: Understanding a Photograph
Product ID: 12401467
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John Berger's explorations of the relationships between the individual and society, culture and politics, and experience and expression through the written word, films, photographic collaborations and performances are unmatched in their diversity, ambition and reach. His television series and book Ways of Seeing revolutionized the way that art is understood. Now, Understanding a Photograph gathers the photography writings of one of the most internationally influential authors of the past 50 years. Understanding a Photograph is arranged chronologically, leading the reader on a thought-provoking journey through selected essays from hallmark works such as "About Looking" and "Another Way of Telling," as well as previously uncollected pieces written for exhibitions or catalogues that discuss a wide range of artists—from August Sander to Jitka Hanzlová. This collection of some 25 texts has been carefully selected by novelist and essayist Geoff Dyer, who has also written a critical study of Berger's oeuvre. Review: Love Berger - As with all his books Berger is insightful and his writing makes my brain work. A must have for all photographers and visual artists. Review: AN ART STUDENT'S HELP FOR EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF PHOTOGRAPHS. - THIS BOOK HAS BEEN LONG AWAITED BY THE ARTIST'S WORLD. IT FILLS A NITCH WHICH HAS LONG EXISTED AS REGARDS TO HELPING THE AVERAGE INTERESTED PERSON, MUCH LESS THE AVERAGE ARTIST, SEE POHTOGRAPHS AS ART.
| Best Sellers Rank | #997,598 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #221 in Photography Criticism & Essays (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 54 Reviews |
S**Y
Love Berger
As with all his books Berger is insightful and his writing makes my brain work. A must have for all photographers and visual artists.
C**W
AN ART STUDENT'S HELP FOR EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN LONG AWAITED BY THE ARTIST'S WORLD. IT FILLS A NITCH WHICH HAS LONG EXISTED AS REGARDS TO HELPING THE AVERAGE INTERESTED PERSON, MUCH LESS THE AVERAGE ARTIST, SEE POHTOGRAPHS AS ART.
C**L
Another must have for photographers
Eloquent journal for the photo enthusiast. I enjoyed it, a keepsake for the library, and it makes a great gift.
D**L
Five Stars
Still rocking after all these years
L**R
Fascinating and important essays on photography
John Berger is a really intriguing and stimulating writer. Essays are his forte. Berger has had a life-long interest and involvement in photography. His collaborations with the photographer Jean Mohr (A Seventh Man, A Fortunate Man and Another Way of Telling) were truly original and have been highly influential. So it is great to have this collection of all his essays on photography. I am not wild about the paperback format which I purchased. Aperture produce some exquisite books - see their recent books in the 'Workshop' series (Larry Fink and the Webbs) - but this is not quite up to their usual standard. It feels a little cramped, the cover is not one I enjoy holding in my hand. Sorry, Aperture... wish you had done the contents full justice.
M**A
Five Stars
Brilliant text, beautiful edition.
A**S
Five Stars
Interesting views
S**A
Small and Important Book from True Connoisseur of Photography
This is a very eloquent and very, very intelligent reading. Although quality of printing of my copy has something to be desired. Anyway, he is an extremely talented observer and real connoisseur of historical photography. It is what makes John Berger such a wonderful practical critic and reader of individual photographs. Recommended.
P**R
Five Stars
Great book!!
F**I
Five Stars
perfect
M**N
but I was disappointed in that Berger writes more about the political
Perhaps I am a little 'unfair' in giving John Berger's book 3 star rating, but I was disappointed in that Berger writes more about the political, social, and economic intent and content of photos and their creators than about photography itself, and very little about photography as an established art form. The early essays (the book is chronological and reflects Berger's long career of writing and viewing) are the most academic and acerbic, and in some ways they seem 'soul-less'. The later pieces reflect a mellower, more humane and philosophical expression. Perhaps this kind of life and career developmental progression would true of most of us; indeed hopefully it is. However, it is clear that Berger is regarded, and probably rightly, as a major figure in the literature of photography, and as such the book deserves a place on the shelf of any thoughtful photography student - young or old.
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