Where We Lived
Where We Lived – Jack Larkin
Despite the uninspiring title and cover, Larkin’s book was thoroughly enjoyable. Focusing on homes of the common family from the times of the founding fathers, Larkin uses a wealth of images taken by the HABS (Historic American Buildings Survey), a project created during the Depression for out-of-work architects and photographers. Interspersed with pictures of the often dilapidated buildings are etchings and commentary by visitors to early America. While some found the new American cities charming (Charles Dickens) others loathed most that they came across (Joanna Trollope) and colorfully maligned them. While ...
London Then and Now
London Then and Now – Diane Bursten
I’m not sure what photos surprised me more in London Then and Now - the photos of landmarks virtually unchanged in over 100 years or those that were completely obliviated with not a hint that they ever existed. In both cases, images of massive stone and brick edifices – Victorian and older – seem timeless in their immensity. It doesn’t seem possible that structures this large could be removed. Yet, as an American, I found it equally surprising that many buildings which would long have succumb to the wreckers ball here are still being used. Filled with images of both notable landmarks and more ...
London Sight Unseen
London Sight Unseen by Snowdon
This clever collection of photos showcases strange and outré buildings in London. Originally built as gate houses, gazebos or follies (mock-historical buildings built just for the heck of it) most have now been converted into expensive yuppie dwellings or garden sheds. With everything from mock-churches, tiny Victorian wrought-iron stands, thatched cottages and fake temples this book is full of enough tiny, odd buildings to satisfy an army of Romantics.
Access All Areas
Access All Areas – Ninjalicious
Ninjalicious, founder of Infiltration.org and master urban explorer, came out with the wicked useful guide to visiting hidden and off-limit places. Sadly, he died weeks after the book was published. However, his immensely useful collection of tips on getting in and out of spaces is available to one and all. Urban exploration in the hobby/art of visiting ruined buildings, construction sites and off-limit areas of “live” buildings. The purpose of these trips are to visit and appreciate sites often long-forgotten or seen only by handful of select few. Interspersed with stories of his actual trips,...
Underworld Sites of Concealment
Peter Seidel and Manfred Sack
Seidel’s photos are a creepy, otherworldly collection of underground sits in Germany. The most benign include art vaults and wine cellars. More common, however, are shelters, prisons and command centers built to withstand war after war – including Hitler’s own bunker. Fantastically beautiful pictures, regardless of the subject.
Graceland – An Interactive Pop-Up tour
Graceland – An Interactive Pop-Up tour - Chuck Murphy with a forward by Priscilla Presley
OH. DEAR. GOD. I never had any strong desire to see Graceland until I snagged this doozy from the pop-culture shelves. You know those glittery white jumpsuits Levis used to wear? Those look tasteful and subdued compared to Elvis’s dear old home. The pop-up recreations of rooms add a garish third dimension to a place where bad taste was raised on a pedestal and celebrated. Oh good, now I think I want to go to Graceland for real. * Shudder *