Customer Reviews

Diana & Nikon

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This is a good, well written book and, unlike most books of photo criticism, this Aperture edition is thoughtfully laid out with well-indexed reproductions of a decent number of prints referenced in the text. My title for this review is an admittedly snide reference to the fact that many of the essays seem in most respects to explain the author's efforts to digest the ideas of John Szarkowski, as reflected in his writings and curatorial efforts. I should hasten to add that this is not a case of uncredited "borrowings" of another's ideas, such as the parts of Sontag's "On Photography" that appear to be lifted nearly whole from Barthes. Rather, Malcolm credits and elaborately praises Szarkowski early and often. But, as in the real series of "... for Dummies" books, one has to question whether going to the source might not be a better idea.

I'm happy to have any good writing on photography and this collection is an enjoyable read. Using Szarkowski as one's personal North Star when trying to get one's bearing on the field of photography is not a bad idea, and I respect Szarkowski's contributions very much. Nevertheless, as source of terrific photo writing that, to understate it, doesn't exactly regard Szarkowski in the same mythopoetic terms, some of the collected writings of A.D. Coleman can be recommended as a healthy counterpoint.