Paris Mon Amour [Paperback]

Who doesn't love Paris? That, and the fact that I love old photographs, and the history of photography, makes this an ideal book for me. There are photos from many photographic greats, French and otherwise, and some I have not seen before. The text is fascinating, and illuminating, and captures the essence of Paris, and the photographs beautifully.

superb collection of amazing photographs.we bought this book online while we were in paris... the flat we rented had a copy and we were so impressed we bought our own. great value for a classic wonderful set of photographs.

As there was no current stock when I discovered this book, it was ordered directly from the publisher. Although I paid a little more than I would have done via Amazon, it was a minimal difference and postage was included.

This is a very large book, but fortunately not too thick as it might then be a little unwieldy. The book relies on its pictorial content and contains only a brief introduction in English, French and German and a title and credit for each image, most of which are printed large, one per page, although a few are half page and two-up. However, because of the image format, there is sometimes rather too much bright white paper in evidence.

As is usual with this publisher, the quality of printing and production is very high and value for money always exceptional. I have several titles from various of their series and a few stand-alones, such as this, and every one is a worthwhile addition to my collection.

This book includes images from several different photographers, not necessarily French or Parisian but who may have known Paris quite well. Included are some of the more obvious and famous names such as Doisneau, Cartier-Bresson, Steichen, Sieff and Brassai, and Disderi amongst the older images. However, these are outnumbered by the anonymous and little-known photographers. Although I have other titles from the publisher that include 'Paris' as part of their title, each dedicated to a separate photographer from substantially different eras (this obviously is not), there are surprisingly few images repeated in two or more books. It is interesting not only to compare the different and quite unique styles and interests of each of the major photographers but also to see just how much of the older city has now been lost. Obviously, its buildings will have changed in the 100 years or so covered by the imagery here, but so too have its inhabitants, their lifestyles, and speed of city life.

As the imagery is inherently retrospective, it provides a fascinating insight into the city that was and to see how it was perceived by the many photographers whose imagery is on show here.

An excellent addition for Paris lovers and for photographers, generally. Some excellent imagery at a near to bargain basement price but in a quality presentation.