Customer Reviews

Toujours Paris (Portfolio Collection)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased this beautiful book as a gift for a friend and just have to get one for myself after looking through it. Already have another Paris book but this one really captures the essence of the "city of light".

I am a Parisian since 1975 and, braggadocio aside, I know the city where I live since it is the one of the most, if not the most, architecturally harmonious city in the world, with its mainly Haussmannian character. The photographer, Yann Layma, whom I had known during my travel industry stint, has captured not only the city's famous tourist spots but has "caught" them, with Parisians and tourists alike, in their day-to-day activities. He thus renders the city alive refuting, in my opinion, accusations of a museum-city with regards to its conservative infrastructural policies, refusing skyscrapers, as well as "dubious and deviant" innovations in its historical center. Moreover, Yann Layma has covered a gamut of the city, unknown to both its dwellers and visitors.

The book's material and layout are class, its cloth-binding, slip case and the introductory notes in English make it an ideal gift item for those who have been to Paris or to have it discovered visually by those who have not, inciting them to pursue a lifetime dream to see the City of Lights (metaphorically and literally). When I saw this book in a discount bookshop in the Latin Quarter at a very interesting price, I got three right away, two for relatives whom I tour guided recently, and one for myself. Albeit Paris being at my finger tips, I enjoy having a souvenir volume with glimpses of what is lasting and ephemeral. Yann Layma's book and pictures on Paris precisely offer both.

I am a keen photographer and have a number of quality picture books on Paris. Toujours Paris holds its own with most and my copy came as a sort of boxed set, which was nice (a spine to the box was damaged, no doubt due to overseas postage). The overall photo quality is good and many photos are interesting - some bring back fond memories of Paris. It's obvious that the photographer has been able to choose his light and timing, which is unfortunately something a mere tourist, like me, can't do.

I had high expectations in anticipation of a trip to Paris. There are a handful of good photos of Paris (including the cover), but it lacks the "wow" factor. Although the quality of the book makes it suitable for the coffee table, the pictures aren't that inspirational to leave it there for any length of time. Most images captured seem to lack an attention to composition, but rather are what the photographer captured at a whim. I had hope for more architectural emphasis, with added shots of cafes and shops to balance the strong Parisian architecture. What I got was snapshots of Paris. The book comes in a display box, mine has slight edge wear.

In summary, if I had seen it in a bookstore, I wouldn't own a copy.

This book was in great condition and came in a case to keep it in great condition. The pictures are bright and vibrant and it arrived quickly.