Customer Reviews

Weegee's World

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

 

 

This wonderful book not only includes all of Weegee's (Arthur Fellig) greatest photos, but includes three in-dept essays on his work by Miles Barth, Alain Bergala and Ellen Handy. Weegee raised the craft of photojournalism to the level of art by his talent to show the essence of any situtation without any discrimination between social classes. Besides his pictures expressing the entire human condition, they also story-tell New York City circa mid-century. This is a book that is essential for anyone who wants a comprehensive photographic library.

Weegee is best known for his photos of "rubouts, suicides and
accident victims", but I think those photos are his
least interesting. He has a talent for capturing ordinary
life as well. His photos are warm and real. Often times I
find old photos make the subjects appear remote and distant
in time, but Weegee's photos break through that barrier.
You don't feel like you are looking at old pictures.
His photos transcend nostalgia.

The photos are quite profound - and erie... It's a glimpse into the public and private lives of people you don't know, yet intrigue you. It's kind of mezmerizing. I found myself intrigued by a photo, then I'd flip to the description in the back of the book, and then back-again to the photo with a more learned eye. The nighttime lighting reflects the harshness of what's happening...