From Library Journal
These two beautifully designed and produced volumes of photographs by two Life veterans exemplify some of the best work to have appeared in that magazine. Though they worked for the same publication during roughly the same period, the late Thirties through the early Sixties, Kessel and Mydans share little in terms of content and style. Kessel, a Ukrainian emigre, fo cused on the marvels of the world, both natural and man-made. He was adept at capturing the grandeur of exotic places and the character of the inhabitants the Andes, the Yangtze, Ceylon, the Greek Isles. His work displays master ful technique, particularly his architec tural shots of Europe's churches and cathedrals. Also included are portraits of world figures, but these are unre markable. It is Mydans who is successful at cap turing the personalities of the times, large and small, and the events that un folded around them, most notably war. His images of World War II are on a par with the work of Robert Capa and Da vid Douglas Duncan. In addition, there are pictures of prewar America and postwar Europe, and, throughout, the politicians, celebrities, and artists who figured prominently during these years: Churchill, Khrushchev, Tojo, Dulles, Faulkner, Bernstein, Gable, and Lom bard. He consistently caught arresting moments and telling expressions. Both books contain anecdotal essays by the photographers. Kessel's book would be a valuable addition to larger collec tions. Mydans is invaluable. Frank Schroth, Technology Training Asso ciates, Cambridge, Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
