André Kertész

Quality printing !

One of the best book for street photography

This is a terrific book for those interested in street photography and learning more about the early days of its development. Kertesz is an original of the art form. The book is just the right size to slip into your camera bag to take along when out shooting. And at less than $20, a bargin. There are several books in the Photofile series worth owning.

Although Hungarian by Birth, he later moved to Paris where he modified his name to a French style which he retained throughout his life, before settling in New York in the 30s. He returned to France, and especially to Paris, several times thereafter and the majority of the images here were taken in France and a few in Hungary. Very few of those included were taken in the US. The images here cover the period from just post WW1 to the mid-70s and therefore cover most of his lifetime, which is quite unusual for this series which tends to concentrate on the vintage rather than modern.Kertesz was a contemporary of Henri Cartier-Bresson and the work of both is often compared, and with good reason. They appeared to photograph much the same imagery and did so in a very similar manner although it is unclear whether the two had ever met, compared or discussed their respective work or otherwise exchanged views.Some of the images may at first appear to be quite ordinary and uninteresting, one of a washing line as an example. However, if you examine it more closely, there is a certain basic beauty and you recognise a little more of his perception. There is a very wide cross-section of subject matter to be seen here; still lifes, nudes (one), photo-reportage and a few portraits. Many are street scenes but there is a common feature to most and that is line and form; patterns abound in the majority of the images.The images represented here portray Kertesz as a Master and the book, despite its small stature, worthy of study.

This is an excellent book for the price. The photos aren't large but the printing is fine. An excellent introduction to the artist.