'It is a testament to the strength of [Parr's] argument, and to the quality of the titles he has compiled, that there is indeed a current reappraisal of the significance and value of photographer's books.' The Art Book 'fascinating ... Beautifully illustrated with three dimensional covers and spreads - as with volume I - we really get an impression of the photo books as an 'object'. ... an essential guide to existing and budding collectors everywhere. ... By the time you reach the end if you weren't hooked on the photographic book already, you will be.' Laura Noble, London Independent Photography '[Parr's] international perspective is a major contribution to cultural history' Ei8ht Photojournalism 'Volume II of Martin Parr and Gerry Badger's The Photobook: A History is even more opinionated, eccentric, and invaluable than the first volume.' Photograph 'So many photography books are published these days, but here's one that makes sense of all the others.' The New York Times Book Review 'To leaf through this book is to journey into the past; its images evoke our existence more poignantly than words can.' Library Journal
Gerry Badger is a photo historian and critic. He regularly writes and lectures on photography and has curated a number of exhibitions. His published books include Collecting Photography and monographs on John Gossage and Stephen Shore, as well as Phaidon's 55s on Chris Killip (2001) and Eugene Atget (2001)
Preface; Introduction; Chapter 1 - Mirrors and Windows: Recent American Photobooks; Chapter 2 - Common Market: Recent European Photobooks; Chapter 3 - Without Frontiers: The Worldwide Photobook; Chapter 4 - Appropriating Photography: The Artist's Photobook; Chapter 5 - Point of Sale: The Company Photobook; Chapter 6 - Looking At Photographs: The Picture Editor As Auteur; Chapter 7 - The Camera As Witness: The 'Concerned' Photobook Since World War II; Chapter 8 - The Dusseldorf Tendency: The New 'New Objectivity'; Chapter 9 - Home And Away: Modern Life and The Photobook; Chronology; Select Bibliography; Index; Acknowledgements