Suburbia [Paperback]

Bill Owens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1973

A revised edition of the 70's classic with new color photographs

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Photographer and brewer --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Straight Arrow Books; [distributed by Quick Fox, New York (1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879320427
• ISBN-13: 978-0879320423
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,300,892 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Suburbia Lives On!, January 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Suburbia (Hardcover)

It's long overdue that this 1972 rare cult classic book was republished. In the early 70s, photographer Owens acted as an anthropologist objectively documenting suburban inhabitants, their native environs, and their daily rituals. By pairing the images with quotes made by the subjects, Owens has created a hilarious and absurd account of life in the suburbs. Tupperware parties, backyard barbecues, and going to the hairdresser have never been so riveting! You must own this book!

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1999 Edition Lives Up to Its Claim of "New & Improved", April 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Suburbia (Hardcover)

The 1973 original edition, which contained only black-and-white photos, may not have been to everyone's taste. I went to the library and compared the "NEW & IMPROVED" (as the red 8-pointed star on the cover proclaims) 1999 edition with the old. The new edition is a lot better. First, some photos that did not have much impact for me (e.g., a shot of adults kissing on Halloween) have been deleted. Second, 18 pages of color photos (some of which have the gaudy color combinations typical of the 1970s) and a number of B&W photos were added. Third, the order of photos is more meaningful; for example, "I believe in women's liberation" was the second photo in the old edition but is on page 21 in the new edition (opposite a depiction of two chairs and a TV). Fourth, Owen's editor Shimshak has added captions for photos that previously had none (e.g., on pages 16-17). Finally, there is a new introduction by journalist David Halberstam.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome Back , Suburbia!, March 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Suburbia (Hardcover)

I'm delighted to see this book available again. Last year I spent $100 for a copy (well worth it!) because it was out of print. I plan to buy the new version for the additional pictures promised. I've been fascinated with this book since I was a kid (and his other out-of-print books). I have too much to say about Bill Owens' work and not nearly enough room! I love "Suburbia" and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves to study people just "doing their thing".