The imagined city of Elgin Park, a magically realistic evocation of a midcentury American town, has captured the hearts of millions of web visitors and now appears in book form. You won't find the town of Elgin Park on a map, but you will find it all over the web and in the media. Called an Internet phenomenon by the New York Times, Michael Paul Smith's Flickr site has received over 20 million hits since he first posted his convincing yet dreamlike photographs of an imaginary town, inspired by the small Pennsylvania one he grew up in. Viewers of all ages from across the world will respond to the memories and feelings evoked by his perfectly executed miniature street scenes with model vintage cars, which are photographed outdoors against actual backgrounds. Without digital manipulation, Smith creates wondrously realistic scenes, which are beautifully reproduced in this exquisite volume. Gail Ellison, a longtime colleague of the artist, explains Smith's ingenious methods and also uncovers the themes of his art.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
The imagined city of Elgin Park, a magically realistic evocation of a midcentury American town, has captured the hearts of millions of web visitors and now appears in book form. You won't find the town of Elgin Park on a map, but you will find it all over the web and in the media. Called an Internet phenomenon by the New York Times, Michael Paul Smith's Flickr site has received over 20 million hits since he first posted his convincing yet dreamlike photographs of an imaginary town, inspired by the small Pennsylvania one he grew up in.
About the Author
Michael Paul Smith was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His model-making skills are the accumulation of numerous jobs he has had, including textbook illustrator, wallpaper hanger, housepainter, and architectural model maker. He lives in New England. Gail K. Ellison teaches at the University of Florida College of Medicine, works as Writer-in-Residence with the Shands Arts in Medicine program, and offers workshops for caregivers and students.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By lonewolf
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Michael Paul Smith is a genius!! His photos bring back the "good old days" - which we sorely need during these times of mega stress. I actually remember when we didn't lock our doors, or our cars! Imagine that. His artistic talents show in every picture he takes .... very brilliant. Not only are the pictures awesome, he hand crafts all the buildings and their interiors. Another hidden talent. So, do yourself a favor and purchase a "piece of the past".
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Elgin Park is a special volume dedicated to the nostalgia many of us have for a period in America that is fading away at a rapid pace. Michael Paul Smith has constructed an imaginary small town and photographed his fantastic model car collection within its framework. This is an exceptional tour de force. The photos are almost impossible to tell from those of actual full-sized cars and structures. Anyone who loves cars, mid-century Americana, architectural models, great photography and craftsmanship, will love this volume.
The introductory text is lively and tells the story of this unique man, without being at all tedious. A totally delightful book.
The introductory text is lively and tells the story of this unique man, without being at all tedious. A totally delightful book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Maddams
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have been admiring Michael Paul Smiths work on Flicker for over 2 years. We have become friends through photos and his work has been nothing short of amazing. His modeling abilities and the feel of realism is fantastic. Michael has such attention to detail that looking at his photos you will have to decide if it is real or not. His make believe town of Elgin Park is just the place you wish you could live, friendly open, quiet and so inviting you wish you could step into the pictures. Just one little catch to it all, and I do mean little. If you love the great memories of days of old this is the book for you. Don't miss out on this great trip down memory lane.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is truly amazing. Michael creates photos that look so...
Michael's skill in building models/dioramas is truly incredible. You can see plenty of examples of his work in this book. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mark Sweeney
4.0 out of 5 stars
Would have liked more about the process
This is a very nice book, full of extraordinary images of scale models of an imaginary town from the 1950's. It is hardbound and printed well. Read more
Published 5 months ago by J. Stoddard
5.0 out of 5 stars
creative fun
Received in great condition & was a so much fun reading! Thanks for sharing your creatativity; fun, enjoyable, model cars/promos at their best.
Published 8 months ago by scouts12
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nostalgia? I guess.
Smith's work is wonderful. My question doesn't reflect on the quality of his work or of the book; he does what he likes and does it beautifully. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Walter J. Jamieson Jr.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing work, disappointing book
I was hoping for more of a "behind the scenes" or "making of" book, rather than merely a picture book. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Royster
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