Customer Reviews

Magnum Ireland

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Magnum, a name synonymous with upper echelon of documentary photography. Just a mention of the name brings instant thoughts of Capa, Parr, and Bresson. The most recognized name in the photo world brings their take on a very photographic country: Ireland.

If you are looking for beautiful scenic and landscape shots of the Irish countryside, look elswehere. If you love reportage/documentary photography than this will instantly become a photo book favorite of yours, even if you do not have much interest in the country itself.

What lies here is Magnum's best work from the past 5 decades, breaking each into it's own section. We get some brief text to start each decade, drawing a light timeline for us, and then it's on to the pictures.

You would think the 50's would be mostly black and white shots, but think again. Along with some great shots by Henri Cartier-Bresson, we get some vibrant color images by Inge Morath. All the photos simply have one thing in common: capturing life in this country in all aspsects. Depicting people lounging, fighting, and dancing, and the objects, places, and buildings in which they dwell.

You get over 30 of Magnum's top names, including Eve Arnold, Martin Parr, Steve McCurry, and Bruce Davidson, who lend photos covering both Ireland and Northern Ireland. I didn't recognize of a few of the Parr photos, and I have nearly all his books including Photographs of the West of Ireland, so I am assuming that some of these photos may be appearing in book form for the first time.

It's a real treat for Magnum and documentary fans, and at the price I see right now on Amazon (way, way below list price) this is a must buy!