Coney Island

I love this book for the way it captures the feeling of the place. While it is not full of text about Coney Island, it is full of visual and emotional information. I am an ex-New Yorker and have a few books I turn to when I feel homesick, this is one of them.

Having been a student of his sometime ago, I am a little surprise he did a color essay on this book. Also having recorded some of the same subjects and elements from this book on film both in color and black and white, I have to say it can go either way. Color shows the 'fun' of the subjects and objects, black and white, more substance. I did wish he also include some of his black and white work in the book to add strength to the vibrant. As a photo essay,which this book is, it will draw people to the place which in the last decade or so got a bum rap for being only sleazy, which it still is(the transit authorities could help by renovating the big but dank subway station, the mayor could make this place more than a 'summer' playground) but also fun and vibrant. For those readers who seek a 'history' book on this subject, they will have to look elsewhere, Harvey is a documentative 'street' photographer and that is where his heart is, and it shows successfully in this book. Welcome to the world of color, Harvey, but don't neglect your roots.....

I own all three of Mr. Stein's books and "Coney Island is the most refreshing. "Coney Island" is a remarkable balance of people, landscapes and Mr. Stein's signature, casual environmental portraiture. This one I'll go back to for years.