Days of Hope and Dreams: An Intimate Portrait of Bruce Springsteen [Paperback]

Frank Stefanko (Author), Chris Murray (Preface), Bruce Springsteen (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2003

Born and bred in a working class environment in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen has, over the past 30 years, established himself as one of the most influential songwriters and performers in American popular music. Winner of three Grammy Awards for The Rising, he continues to entertain and inspire millions of fans around the world.



Also born and bred in a working-class New Jersey home was photographer Frank Stefanko, who crossed paths with Springsteen thanks to an introduction by a mutual friend, musician Patti Smith. This meeting spurred a photographic collaboration that lasted five years and produced cover photos for two of Springsteen's most significant albums, Darkness on the Edge of Town and The River.



Stefanko's archive of several thousand Springsteen photos has never been published--that is, until now. Days of Hope and Dreams presents in an unforgettable selection of Stefanko's most significant and most personal images from his time working with Springsteen, and Stefanko's recollections offer behind-the-scenes stories of his work and friendship with this legendary musical talent. Featuring a fascinating introduction written by The Boss himself, this is a must-have guide for Springsteen fans and music lovers everywhere!






• Captures the classic Springsteen years: 1978-1983

• Features never-before-published photographs

• Springsteen will tour the US throughout the summer and fall of 2003

• Multicity touring exhibit of photos

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Frank Stefanko's photos appear on the cover of Springsteen's albums Darkness on the Edge of Town and The River, as well as in the packages for Springsteen's Greatest Hits, Live 1975-1985 and Tracks. He lives in Philadelphia. Chris Murray is the founder and director of the Govinda Gallery in Washington, DC.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Billboard Books (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082308387X
• ISBN-13: 978-0823083879
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,029,300 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars amazing -- some of the best Bruce photos ever, November 3, 2003

By 

Phil Anthropy (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Days of Hope and Dreams: An Intimate Portrait of Bruce Springsteen (Paperback)

1978 was a key moment in Bruce Springsteen's career, and Frank Stefanko was there to capture it in black and white. In these photos, you see a rock star breaking out, but still struggling and working his [tail] off. Stefanko had not even heard the Darkness album when he took the photos that would lead to its cover (and the cover of The River), but he captured the mood and the tone perfectly, of both the music and the musician. Even if you're not into photo books, if you have an interest in Springsteen, do yourself a favor and get this book.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Most Amazing Book, September 28, 2003

By 

L Herbkersman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Days of Hope and Dreams: An Intimate Portrait of Bruce Springsteen (Paperback)

I have never seen a book of this type where the pictures and text fit together so perfectly. But those are just the tangible things. This book seems to give you a look into Bruce Springsteen's soul -- such a deep look that you almost feel as if you're intruding where you don't belong. But as a fan of the man as well as the music, I can see why Bruce chose this photographer. The pictures show him as he wants to be seen. As I said, truly a most amazing book.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Frank, for sharing your gift, January 20, 2004

By 

D. Miller "D.Miller" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Days of Hope and Dreams: An Intimate Portrait of Bruce Springsteen (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book. The photographs are uniformly compelling and insightful, as is the text. The reader is treated to a rare, unvarnished glimpse of an American hero about to "burst like a supernova." The images are timeless, and harken back to a simpler, perhaps more poignant time -- before MTV and the Internet changed the way we obtained and enjoyed our music. The author's spare text is thoughtful without being intrusive; a perfect compliment to the compelling images that accompany it. The text conveys a straightforward warmth and appreciation for the author's subject that are both refreshing and inspiring. This is a book to pore over, savor, and return to. Thank you, Frank, for sharing your gift -- and thank you, Bruce, for recognizing his genius, and for allowing us a little glimpse of yours.