Customer Reviews

Bible Road: Signs of Faith in the American Landscape

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There are few photography books that are able to capture America's diversity without conveying a bias or revealing the photographer's opinions of his or her subject. Bible Road provides a fascinating look into religion in America through an objective voice you won't find many places. After paging through the book cover-to-cover (the photography is so compelling, cover-to-cover is the only way you'll read it), I realized that not only was I impressed with Fentress' photography, but I found myself in that contemplative state that great photos conjure in each of us. The photos span decades, cultures, geography and socio-economic backgrounds. In an age where controversy surrounding freedom of expression and religious idealism are on the news every day, this book could not be more timely. Bible Road captures the convergence of religion, free-speech, and art with remarkable clarity and form. What an important book. Well done.

That's what I did. The different reactions are fascinating. Nobody stopped turning the pages until they reached the back cover.Some of the photographs are very amusing, some are heart-wrenching, and some are simply a great piece of what may be a soon-obsolete form of folk Americana. A real change from

the "close-up of a leaf" photography books; this one has soul.

This is a beautifully designed book of black and white and color photographs, gorgeously printed. The pictures, of religious road signs througout the country, range from the tenderly soulful to the borderline psychotic and are a fascinating and-- through the eyes of this photgrapher-- loving portrait of the USA.

A real gem, the collection of images stirs the spirit in a way that none of the religious signs alone could do.

Anyone who drives has seen this type of sign along the road. The fascinating experience of this book is the cummulative effect of these images as you turn the pages. The personal isolated viewing of these fleeting signs - which are so evocative - becomes an American phenomenon. It is almost like a flip book that creates a moving picture from static images. Add to this experience the fine quality of the photographs themselves, the thoughtful ordered progression of the presentation, and the realization that the photos are drawn from all over the United States and the result is a book that takes its place in a much larger world than a coffee table.

BIBLE ROAD: SIGNS OF FAITH IN THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE features photos by Sam Fentress in full color and represents the photographer's last few decades of travel, crossing over forty states photographing thousands of religious signs along America's highways and city streets. His photography embraces works from churches, bikes, walls, and even stocks and looks for religious messages in even unlikely places, both urban and rural, making for a striking survey of religious messages in modern culture. Perfect for either spiritual collections or art libraries strong in modern photography.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch

As a transplanted midwesterner living in New England, this book takes me to the places and skies and people that I miss so much. These photographs, lovingly taken and beautifully presented, represent themes and landscapes - physical and emotional - that are uniquely American. It's a treasure.

"Bible Road" is a beautiful, funny, fascinating look at church signs and structures across America. While the text doesn't shed much light on the process or how the book got started, the photos themselves are captivating. You have to imagine the thought process that went into some of these scrawled messages on the walls of gas stations, restaurants, and meeting halls, especially the ones preaching death and damnation. It makes me wonder who (if anyone) would respond to the Gospel presented in this way. The book itself is a small, well-crafted gem. It's a labor of craft and affection, an authentic glimpse into American small-town spirituality.

This book appeals to many people. The book has been picked up by many people at our house. They only put it down if they finish it or need to leave before they can finish it. I think people just want to see what signs are posted out there that we might stumble across one day. The photography is very good and it is an easy read.

This book is well done and it clearly indicates that our politicians can remove God from our schools, our court buildings, our state buildings and even our money, but not from our hearts and minds.

I love it and everyone that has viewed it loved it as well. It shows faith exist. It's neat to see the word of God in places you wouldn't think.