Welcome to Pyongyang (Hardcover)

~ Charlie Crane (Author), Nicholas Bonner (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Sixty-five stunning large-format photographs, taken by Charlie Crane during three visits to Pyongyang, are presented in the manner of a North Korean guide-each accompanied by a real North Korean guide's commentary. Pyongyang and its people are presented on their own kitsch terms, while the reader can see beyond the clichés of the "official" line.

Charlie Crane was born in London in 1975 and now works as a photographer for clients including The New York Times, W magazine, Sony, and Ford.

Nicholas Bonner has visited North Korea over fifty times as proprietor of the Beijing-based Koryo Tours. His films include Crossing the Line, about American defectors to North Korea.

About the Author

Born in London in 1975, Charlie Crane became an advertising and editorial photographer when he was 20. His has photographed campaigns for Sony and Ford, and his editorial clients include the New York Times magazine and W. Crane won the Kodak Gold Award as 'best portrait photographer' of 1998 and exhibitions include at National Portrait Gallery, London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chris Boot (May 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905712049
• ISBN-13: 978-1905712045
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #696,095 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Dear Leader's bestest ever book, June 25, 2007

By	Robin Benson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

North Korea puts its best foot forward in this collection of Pyongyang folk presented in a `this is how we would like the world to see us' corporate style book. Of the sixty-four photos thirty-four are rather stiffly posed portraits of people you would probably see if you visited the capitol. All scrubbed up, neat and tidy and no doubt just waiting to happily serve any foreign visitor, especially business people who could help the country out of its ramshackle condition.

The other photos show various buildings and interiors mostly devoid of anyone. Was everybody hiding just in case photographer Charlie Crane might capture a person who didn't look immaculate? Even the fold-out of the Mansudae Grand Monument is empty despite the caption saying it is the first place people go to when they return to Pyongyang after a visit abroad. The cynical might conclude the plaza is empty because no one is allowed to go abroad.

Overall I thought the photos rather contrived and bland (the sun clearly didn't shine while Crane was there either) but probably just what the Dear Leader would approve of. A much more interesting look at Pyongyang is provided by photographer Philippe Chancel in his book North Korea with 129 color images. Frequently a building is featured in both books but Chancel was lucky enough to have the locals going about their business when he took his shots.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating portrait of Pyongyang, July 11, 2007

By	John W. Neiman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am enjoying this book. THe photos and the stories are most interesting
and the portraits of the North Korean people are fascinating. I am planning a trip to North Korea in August and this book is most helpful
in preparing me for the sights I will see in Pyongyang as well as introduce me to some of the people I will meet. The author has done a splendid job in providing a comprehensive introduction to the DPRK as well
as providing important cultural, historical and political insights.
Welcome to Pyongyang is excellent in every way. The photos are magnificent
and the information provided will help me understand the people of North
Korea and their culture.