James Bidgood (Taschen's 25th Anniversary Special Edition) [Hardcover]

Bruce Benderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009 | Series: Taschen's 25th Anniversary Special Edition

James Bidgood is seen as the father of the pulp and glamour aesthetic, yet his photographic works are still scarcely known. He came to New York in 1951, intent on becoming a musical star, and earned his first wages as a drag performer in Manhattan legendary Club 82. His serious employment as a window dresser, freelance photographer, and costume designer enabled him to collect the material he needed for his own photo shoots, for which he built complex sets, often in his tiny apartment. In his photographs and films, he pays homage to the youthful male body via elaborate staging of his romantically shimmering visions of a homoerotic paradise. This monograph presents a complete overview of James Bidgood influential body of work.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German, French --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Bruce Benderson works as a writer and translator in New York. He has published two volumes of short stories and writes regularly for Village Voice, The New York Time Magazine, The Advocate, Out, New York Press, and other periodicals.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 175 pages
• Publisher: Taschen; Taschen's 25th anniversary ed edition (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3836514524
• ISBN-13: 978-3836514521
• Product Dimensions: 15.8 x 8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,026,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lavish, gorgeous and downright sexy!, August 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Bidgood (Photo Book Series) (Hardcover)

James Bidgood was a costumer and photographer in the 1950s. He anonymously directed the classic homoerotic film "Pink Narcissus" in 1971. "Bidgood" is a terrific introduction to the 66-year-old photographer's work. Although some may consider the style of the photos kitschy and campy, Bidgood argues (through his work) that beauty informs style and fashion. These aren't interchangeable twinks in satyr costumes; these photographs harken back to an era when a different gay sensibility ruled. They are reminiscent of Cocteau, Genet and Anger. What Bob Mizer wished he could do, and what Tom Bianchi could never hope to -- this is the work of James Bidgood. The informative and detailed accompanying essays help the reader understand what he's seeing, and place Bidgood's work in a broader artistic, photographic, and cultural context. Excellent!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique, Beautiful, and Sexy Study!!, September 18, 2000

By 

Joseph J. Hanssen "Joe" (Upstate New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bidgood (Photo Book Series) (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed this beautiful over-sized photography book. What a work of "Art" in itself, from its pink cover to the beautiful photos inside. James Bidgood is considered the father of the gay pulp and glamour aesthetic. An American photographer in the 50's who transformed his apartment into a fantasy land to photograph these beautiful boys. This book is just crammed with photos of beautiful young men. Included are essays explaining his life and these photographs. Some may consider these photos campy, but they have a beauty and style that was really unique to that period and time. James Bidgood was also the director of the homoerotic film "Pink Narcissus" in the 70's.

This is a definite must for your collection. A very sensual and emotional book of beautiful photographs. Highly recommended.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic example for photographers of the male form, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bidgood (Photo Book Series) (Hardcover)

I found James Bidgood's photo examples of lighting and confined sets an encouragement of what can be done in photography. His work has an emotional "feel" that comes out of the book and fasinates the reader. If you are a photographer of the male body, you'll love this book.