André Kertèsz: Masters of Photography Series

"Andre Kertesz," a book in the Aperture Masters of Photography series, brings together a rich collection of photographs by Kertesz. The book also includes the following: (1) an essay, written by Carole Kismaric, on his life and career; (2) a chronology of his life (1894-1985); (2) a list of his major exhibitions; and (4) a bibliography.Kertesz' black-and-white photos include many scenes that are haunting, touching, or whimsical. I especially like his street scenes, which capture everyday people. His many photos of Paris life in the 1920s and 30s remind me of the writings of Henry Miller (see, for example, Miller's "Tropic of Cancer").Some memorable images: a young boy in Paris holding a delicate-looking puppy; a wandering violinist on a street in Hungary; a snowy view of Washington Square; a grubby old man urinating on a street in Paris; a portrait of an imperious Colette. There are some witty captures, particularly one delightful shot of umbrella-wielding pedestrians on a Tokyo street. Kertesz had a keen eye and a marvelous sense of composition; this book is a visual treat from start to finish.

You really only need to two things about this book: one, that Andre Kertesz was a genius, and two, that this book published by Phaidon Press, so it's going to be very well done. The photographs in this book are sharper, more luminous and of a better variety than any other Kertesz book I've seen. The text blurbs that accompany each photograph (in addition to the excellent bio at the front) are informative and sophistocated, going well beyond the usual spartan location/date/f-stop infomation that many other monographs offer. As if that wasn't enough, it usually runs at least half of what other monographs will. Perfect stocking-stuffer.