Customer Reviews

New England Days (Imago Mundi Book)

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New England Days by Paul Caponigro (Godine, $35).

For more than 40 years Paul Caponigro has been making black-and-white photographs that teach us how to "hear with the eyes." These 76 prints-made between 1958 and 1999-portray stones, apples, trees, and the sea. They might have been taken 200 years ago. As we study them with quiet attention they take on the rich tones of a cello concerto. This is the most satisfying book of the year. -Michael More, CAMERA ARTS

In a recent seminar conducted by the country's leading B&W practitioners when asked to name their influences, Paul Caponigro's name was often the first from their lips. Looking at the images in this book, it's not hard to see why. Achingly beautiful is probably an apt description for some of them. These are works of simplicity, quietness and elegance presented here by high quality printing. A real treasure and a monograph I come back to often.

I might not be utterly blown away by this book but it is growing on me. The material inside is not about impact but slow release. The book is relatively small and intimate...just like the images inside. All plates are beautifully presented and the finish of the book overall is first rate. I was not familiar with his work when I bought this and plugged for it 'blind' based on recommendations. I dont regret it for one minute as I know it is a book that encourages a quiet, relaxed contemplative browse. The work inside is fantastic and stays with you once you close the cover. If you are a photographer normally drawn to more 'up front' work, this book will stimulate different parts! Well worth buying. Quite small but not expensive either.