UK Holidays - Magnum Ireland

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Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson

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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 941.500222
EAN: 9780500543030
ISBN: 0500543038
Label: Thames & Hudson
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 256
Publication Date: 2005-11-01
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Studio: Thames & Hudson

Editorial Reviews:

The changing faces of Ireland—social, political, and cultural—documented by some of the greatest photographers of the modern era.

Since the invention of photography, Ireland has been a magnet for photographers, but this book is unique in bringing together the work done by the unrivaled talents of the members of Magnum. From Ireland's first attempts to forge a modern identity in the 1950s to the confident country of the twenty-first century, here is a stunning survey of a beautiful and complex place and people, through times of peace as well as trouble.

The photographs reflect the extraordinary insights of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliott Erwitt, Josef Koudelka, Inge Morath, Erich Lessing, Eve Arnold, Martine Franck, Martin Parr, Bruce Gilden, Donovan Wylie, Stuart Franklin, and others. They bring a truly international perspective to the book, reflecting the sensibilities of America, France, Germany, Iran, Japan, Morocco—and, of course, Ireland itself.

Organized decade by decade, the images show the lingering influence of rural life in the 1950s; the hidden story of ordinary Irish men and women—as well as the sectarian conflict—during the uneasy 1960s and 1970s; renewed confidence and the growth of prosperity and peace as the century passed through its last two decades; and the robust "Celtic tiger" of today. Each decade has commentary and context supplied by one of the most notable Irish writers of our time. With texts by: John Banville, Anthony Cronin, Anne Enright, Eamonn McCann, Nuala O'Faolain, Fintan O'Toole, and Colm Toibin. Over 250 photographs in color and duotone.

A touring exhibition of the photographs in Magnum Ireland will begin in Ireland in Spring 2006 before continuing in the United States.

Spotlight customer reviews:

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Summary: No rolling hills and green pastures here, this is Ireland -- Magnum style.
Comment: Magnum, a name synonymous with upper echelon of documentary photography. Just a mention of the name brings instant thoughts of Capa, Parr, and Bresson. The most recognized name in the photo world brings their take on a very photographic country: Ireland.

If you are looking for beautiful scenic and landscape shots of the Irish countryside, look elswehere. If you love reportage/documentary photography than this will instantly become a photo book favorite of yours, even if you do not have much interest in the country itself.

What lies here is Magnum's best work from the past 5 decades, breaking each into it's own section. We get some brief text to start each decade, drawing a light timeline for us, and then it's on to the pictures.

You would think the 50's would be mostly black and white shots, but think again. Along with some great shots by Henri Cartier-Bresson, we get some vibrant color images by Inge Morath. All the photos simply have one thing in common: capturing life in this country in all aspsects. Depicting people lounging, fighting, and dancing, and the objects, places, and buildings in which they dwell.

You get over 30 of Magnum's top names, including Eve Arnold, Martin Parr, Steve McCurry, and Bruce Davidson, who lend photos covering both Ireland and Northern Ireland. I didn't recognize of a few of the Parr photos, and I have nearly all his books including Photographs of the West of Ireland, so I am assuming that some of these photos may be appearing in book form for the first time.

It's a real treat for Magnum and documentary fans, and at the price I see right now on Amazon (way, way below list price) this is a must buy!

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