Recently I browsed through the photo book section at Borders. And because one book stuck so far out from the shelf, I couldn't help but notice it. Now, I'm very happy I near bumped my head on it!

The book is one of the finest collection of photographs I've ever seen. I was stunned by both the quality of the photos (nearly all LF) and their reproduction, not to mention some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world. There are places that give nothing away to some of our beautiful, if over-photographed, national parks.

I've been a lot of places and done a lot of photography, but these images floored me. I can honestly say seeing this book had me checking prices and contemplating a trip to China.

One other thing that did actually bother me about it--there are no credits. Apparently, the photograpy was all done by the publisher's staff and individual photographers are not even mentioned. This is a real shame since these guys are world class talents.

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), February 02, 2002

Answers

Ted,

May I draw your attention to: 'China - The Photographs Of Lois Conner' published by Callaway - ISBN: 0-935112-57-X

This book is all Black & White and Conner shot on 7"x17" banquet camera. Although mostly horizontal there are some interesting vertical compositions which take on the appearance of Oriental roll pictures.

Walter Glover

-- Walter Glover (walterg@netaus.net.au), February 02, 2002.

You're a bad influence, Walter. I'm trying to withdraw from impulsive book purchases, but after reading the reviews of Lois Conner's book, I might have to add yet another tome. Thanks!

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), February 02, 2002.

Ted,

What is the name of this book? Thank You!

-- X.Wang (xwang@ubmail.ubalt.edu), February 02, 2002.

Spectacular China Hardcover - 132 pages (November 1997) Hugh Lauter Levin Associates; ISBN: 0883631571 ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.81 x 16.24 x 12.05

-- Ted Kaufman (writercrmp@aol.com), February 02, 2002.

Note that the Lois Conner "China" book mentioned above (originally $100.00 US) has recently been remaindered. Photoeye.com has it for $29.95, and EdwardRHamilton.com has it for $19.95.

I was less impressed with this book than I had hoped. While there are several compelling images, too many of the included photos appear to be casual "snapshots" with the additional overlay of the depth-of-field limitations of her ultra-large format. I also found the images made up of multiple panoramic "strips" placed side-by-side (not end-to-end) to be poorly executed. She'd have been much better off using her 8x10 for those non-panoramic images. YMMV.

-- James Meckley (jmeckley@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu), February 04, 2002.