Paris [Hardcover]

Robert Doisneau (Author), Deke Dusinberre (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2005

As a photographer, Robert Doisneau is known for his ability to infuse images of daily life with poetic nuance that imbued his photojournalism with an enduring popular appeal. The unprecedented scope of this collection provides the opportunity to study his more composed, aesthetically structured images alongside his snapshots, which offer a more anecdotal account of Doisneau's Paris. Organized thematically, the book leads us on an entrancing tour through the gardens of Paris, along the Seine, and through the crowds of Parisians who define their beloved city. More than 600 photographs-many rare, forgotten, and previously unpublished-are assembled in this beautiful volume to create a unique portrait of Paris. From toddlers scrambling to cross rue de Rivoli to fresh-faced accordionists, from elegant dog walkers to exuberant roller skaters, and from the indelible kiss in front of the Hétel de Ville to cyclists beneath the Eiffel Tower, the magic of Paris in black and white is a timeless treasure. The photographs, edited by Doisneau's daughter, are complemented by citations from the photographer himself, which reveal his profound fascination with the city where he lived and worked.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Photographer Doisneau (1912–1994) had a tremendous gift not only for portraying the beauty of Paris but for capturing the charm of its citizens; some of his images have come to define Paris, even for those who've never visited. Most of the 600 photos in this classic collection feature at least one person, and the expressions on their faces are so real they feel staged. One, of a young woman finishing a roller-coaster ride, catches her with a look of "mon dieu, I thought I'd die!" The way Doisneau composes his images, focusing on a subject's "aura" ("that kind of neon light," he says, glowing around certain people) is striking. He possesses a satirical eye for humor (e.g., the shots of various sculptures doused in pigeon droppings) and the bizarre (a Monsieur Beauvoir sitting at a bar with a large bird perched on his shoulder). The chapters are broadly thematic (the one on war and politics is particularly powerful); within chapters, there are themes: e.g., butchers, the Métro, visitors observing the Mona Lisa. Doisneau's commentary appears throughout, as his photographs—whether from the 1940s or the 1990s—illustrate a society that is alternately refined, puzzling and, above all, human. (Nov.)
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About the Author

Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) is one of the world's most famous and popular photographers. His poetic, touching, and at times nostalgic images of France have become iconic. He did a stint at Vogue, but his real interest lay in capturing on film ordinary people in everyday situations. He received many prizes during his life; since his death in 1994 there have been major retrospectives of his work in Paris, Chicago (The Art Institute), and New York (the Witkin Gallery). Francine Derondille is Doisneau's daughter.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Flammarion; First Edition edition (November 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2080304917
• ISBN-13: 978-2080304919
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 1.5 x 12.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #397,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A massive book! with not much culling..., April 20, 2008

By 

T. Mario - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paris (Hardcover)

Robert Doisneau is one of my childhood favorite photographers. The kiss in front of the cafe on a busy Paris street has always captivated my imagination, even after the scandal over the fact that it was staged. A photographer is as much a catcher of images as a maker of them, so the whole issue of authenticity really didn't bother me too much. So I embraced this massive book with much expectation.. I had seen little of the rest of his work, so it was to be a learning experience. Overall I came out of the book rather disappointed.. Certainly his opus was huge, and this was just a book on his Paris photos, Yet I was a bit disappointed in the mediocrity of much of the work presented. In order to present all his work, some items seems to have been included that were perhaps better off left out. Still, it is an interesting journey into the Paris of old, and though the dated layout is a bit mediocre, I still give it 3 stars.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doisneau's Paris Riveting, February 15, 2008

By 

B. Downes "photographer" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paris (Hardcover)

Robert Doisneau focuses his camera on the people of Paris capturing moments of curiosity, love, joy, as well as boredom. People are the actors in his camera dramarama. Even the famous stars of France were snapped by Doisneau simply as people in motion.
I found the Paris in Upheaval section -- during the German occupation -- fascinating. Men and women used assumed names and dispatched underground news fighting for the liberation of Paris in cellars and back rooms.
This is not a book you just flip through. I highly recommend it as a genius photographer's trip back to the heart of Paris in the 20s, 30s and 40s.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paris, January 4, 2007

By 

Morgan Alsbrook (South St Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paris (Hardcover)

Beautiful. Whether you have been there or not, this will make you fall in love with the city.