Diners: People and Places [Paperback]

Gerd Kittel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998

The American "diner" was traditionally a small restaurant - more or less in the form of railway car - which provided solid, inexpensive food for the working man at virtually all hours of the day and night. From its humble origins in 1872, the diner flourished in the 1920s and 30s and was particularly frequented during the bleakest years of the Depression. In recent decades, diners have been dying out, victims of pervasive fast-food chains. Gerd Kittel has scoured city and countryside for outstanding relics of this American classic. Here, alongside evocative portraits of the diner's faithful denizens, he reveals an eclectic array of architectural and interior delights - from unpretentious roadside "eateries" to nostalgic glass-walled originals, complete with neon lighting and gleaming chrome.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Fine Americana, fine photography. -- Booklist

High-style pictures of America's favorite form of vernacular architecture. -- Entertainment Weekly

Showcases 68 of these picturesque eateries, which are rapidly disappearing from the American landscape. -- Chicago Tribune

From The Washington Post

Each of the diners pictured is different--some are sleek and streamlined, elegant with neon; others boxy and slabsided. All radiate the easy familiarity of these cozy eating places.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson; 2 Sub edition (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500280819
• ISBN-13: 978-0500280812
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,107,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Different Perspective, October 27, 2001

By 

J Keistler "[e-mail]" (Lake Jackson, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Diners: People and Places (Paperback)

I've owned Mr. Kittel's book for quite some time. I bought it not for the subject matter, but for his photography. As an amateur for 30 years I know how hard it is to produce some of the photography shown in this book.

I notice the prior reviewer criticizes the book for not providing more history, etc. on diners. If the book were misleading in its description or presentation I would agree. However, it makes no such pretenses. This is a photographic book, plain and simple. Actually, those interested in diner history should look into the work of Richard Gutman on diners, which is comprehensive and an excellent companion to this volume.

It has been with this book that I've felt more closeness to the atmosphere of diners, because his photos provide not only a sense of spontaneity in the people, but also his use of lighting. I particularly enjoy those photos where he has made no correction for fluoroscent lighting with his daylight film. This lends a greenish cast to those photos, again enhancing the feel of spontaneity.

As stated above, this is an excellent photographic study of the American diner phenomenon. Those looking for historical narrative can find that easily elsewhere.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a decent book about diners, June 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Diners: People and Places (Paperback)

the photos in this book were very good, although i would have preferred a bit more history. i recommend it though, to someone who is casually interested in diners and the people who love them.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book. Great photography., January 26, 2009

By 

Music Lover. (England.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Diners: People and Places (Paperback)

Not full of unnecessary text, but choc full of wonderfully evocative photographs that superbly show the real feel of the places and the people who frequent them, whether staff, or denizens of the establishments who seem to, in the main, give off that air of dejected lost souls passing through, but may, of course, just be enjoying themselves in a reflective moment of leisure. I wish we had diners like this in the UK. The two first pictures in the book are my favourites of all, but every page has something worthwhile to feast your eyes upon. A truly wonderful book. Enjoy.