PAUL STRAND: SIXTY YEARS OF PHOTOGRAPHS is an immensely successful book. Not only is it a true pleasure to renew acquaintance with the famous images of Paul Strand, it is the knowledge that Strand himself selected the images to be included in this book just before his death in 1976. Calvin Tomkins provides a sensitive and insightful history and eulogy and elected to include documents of Strand's correspondence and various writings to round out this memento mori.
But words are words and cannot begin to explain the simple, haunting beauty of the photographic images of Paul Strand. Whether the viewer's preference is for the portraits of mesmerizing faces captured in the direct simplicity of an encounter on the street or for the light sculpted landscapes or the still life images that are rich in metaphor, this collection of Strand's work is simply impeccable. The only appropriate words this reviewer can summon would be those encouraging lovers of fine art to buy this collection. It is Strand's own valedictory to an immeasurably important career. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, May 05