Female Nudes [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Alina Reyes (Author), Bernard Matussiere (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 25, 2005

Alina Reyes and award winning photographer, Bernard Matussiere join forces to deliver this magnificant tribute to the female nude.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Alina Reyes, has penned a whole series of erotic bestsellers following her early success with "The Butcher" Ultra-talented photographer, Bernard Matussiere has achieved great success from his work on the first Aubade publicity campaign to his stunning photo essays of Cuba.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Fitway Publishing (October 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2752801661
• ISBN-13: 978-2752801661
• Product Dimensions: 14.4 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,441,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Figure, plain and simple, July 6, 2006

By 

wiredweird "wiredweird" (Earth, or somewhere nearby) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: Female Nudes (Hardcover)

Alicia Reyes provides a commentary to Bernard Matussière's monumental photography. And, as model, she provides many of the photos as well.

This oversized book of black and white photos is lush and inviting. The format is simple: one photo of one figure per spread, with a few exceptions, and a simple background, also with exceptions. After seeing so many shots of the figure framed on a neutral ground, the more normal kinds of interior scenes seemed cluttered. And, although Matussière's preference for peeling paint and rough interiors creates contrast with the sleek lines of the models, I found that contrast tipped over into disparity.

I was very happy that the black and white photos included black and white models, too. I like all the different looks that the human species has to offer. I especially like the way light plays differently on darker skin than on lighter. In models with pale coloring, the shadows seem to define their figure, but dark-skinned contours seem more defined by their highlights. Maybe it doesn't make sense in words, but the difference is vivid in the images.

Matussière also emphasizes that most human of features: the buns. Humankind is the only ape that runs on two legs, and the gluteal muscle group is central to that ability. When the deep muscles combine with a pelvis widened for childbirth, the feminine derierre become a true landmark, a necessary and dramatic part of womanly beauty. Although the models tend toward slim hips, many of these photos praise that feature with silent eloquence.

The photos are so commanding that they quite overwhelm Reyes's writing. She is eloquent as well, and also passionate about women's beauty - her own and others' equally, by the sound of it. Although her text is enjoyable, this book is about the imagery. But, as with Charis Wilson's commentary on Weston's figure photos, the model's voice adds a lot to the collaboration between the people on the two sides of the camera. I recommend this highly.

//wiredweird

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not what I thought, June 13, 2008

By 

J. Capolino (Chanute, KS United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Female Nudes (Hardcover)

I really was hoping for more from this title. The photos are standard file photos and nothing special to me, seen better studio work. the words that go with the photos have meaning but again not to my taste. Again nothing too inspired, but almost workman in choice. If I had seen the book before I bought it I would not have.

3.0 out of 5 stars Relatively Monotonus, November 24, 2008

By 

David Jimenez "DJ" (College Station, TX) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Female Nudes (Hardcover)

This book indeed disappointed me a little bit. First, it is quite restricted with respect to the variety of shots. Second, the book is too big for my personal taste.

The good things: Great quality printing, as well as the binding. Every model is fairly attractive (though, sometime I would like to see a great picture of a more normal looking woman). Perfect lighting.