Photo Book of the Year 2008

The Printed Picture by Richard Benson (MoMA, October 2008)

My brother Charlie likes to talk about "expert theory." The theory is pretty sensible: when you really want to know what's what about any subject, find someone to listen to who really knows what he or she is talking about.

Richard Benson knows printing inside and out. He's been the Dean of the Yale School of Art and he's a winner of the MacArthur "genius grant," but he's also been a working printer, to go-to guy for repro expertise for dozens of fine photography book projects, limited editions, reproductions, and so forth. He's an academic, but he's got ink on his hands.

The Printed Picture is an exhibition catalog from a show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York that is up now and will remain on view until June 1, 2009. Here's our review, written by Geoff Wittig, and here's Jeff Ladd's review from 5B4.

If TOP can be said to have a mission—well, beyond being diverting—it's to connect current practitioners to photography's culture—its history, past accomplishments, major figures, and intellectual traditions. The building of a personal library, or at least a small collection of favorite books, is one way to go about this. For such a purpose, The Printed Picture hits on all cylinders: it's readable, greatly informative, and chock full of superb (and enjoyable) illustrations (and not the ones everybody else uses or that you've seen twenty times before, for which I'm grateful). It will take its place at the core of my own book collection (and I'm going to be thinking about how I can get myself to New York before June). I can't imagine it being out of place on the shelves of anyone who really cares about looking at pictures. I hope it stays in print for a long time, but be sure you get it while you can. Highly recommended.

_____________________

Mike

Illustration: Lee Friedlander, Richard Benson, Newport, Rhode Island, 1984

The Printed Picture:

$37.80 From Amazon U.S.
£22.50 From Amazon U.K.
CDN$45.96 From Amazon Canada

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Featured Comment by Tony McLean: "An excellent book that is superbly illustrated. Mr Benson's research into the various printing processes is very thorough. However, he certainly won't have won any friends amongst the gum-bichromate community (who tend to be very protective of their process). Mr Benson describes it as a 'poor process' twice in the same paragraph (page 136). Mr. Benson also states that the platinotype process was invented in 1877 by William Willis. I understand that William Willis's first patent of his process was granted in 1873, with improved patents granted in 1878, 1880 and 1887. Overall, this is an excellent book and a must for your book-shelf. Probably the best value for money of any book I've bought this year."

Comments

[ben]

I just saw the show... it is definitely worthwhile, though some of the copy/descriptions were lacking. I looked briefly at the book and it seemed a bit better in that department. I'll definitely be picking up the book soon, though, and I would recommend the show to everyone.

[Roy]

Good choice!
I've said this before and it's worth repeating: I've never been dissatisfied with a book bought through a TOP mention or review and this is no exception.

I'm only about a third of the way through it, reading a few sections a night, treating it like a rare and special malt whisky that you don't ever want to run out.

It's a pleasure both to read and to view, the production values are superb for a book at this price and I'm recommending it to anyone and everyone with an interest in art and image reproduction.

[Woody]

I bought this book at your suggestion and am fascinated by it. I'll be at it for quite a while I suspect but it's worth it.

Woody

[Ken Tanaka]

I'm in no position to declare any book "best" of the year. But I can certain endorse someone else -Mike- doing so.

This has truly been one of the most wonderful books I've purchased in a long time. The design and printing quality are superb. The content is very well prepared and informative. Benson's writing style is spot-on for this material. I've not yet finished my copy but eagerly look forward to the chance to do so very soon.

How's this for a testimonial to the book's quality? I erroneously ordered two copies of this book from Amazon. But rather than return one I decided to just stash it, still shrink-wrapped. I'm sure that some day I'll find the perfect gift recipient for it...but it will have to be someone special.

Good pick, Mike.

[Wilhelm]

It's the only book that I've ever gone through the hasstle to send back to Amazon.