Just Wonderful
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This book, I hope, will provide the reader with an introduction into the work of James Ravilious. He was a very important photographer who should be remembered and respected for his huge contribution to English landscape photography, and also recording the daily life of the smallholder in Devon. Yes, his work does have a romantic view of how people lived in rural England, and I suppose if you want to see a few more dead animals you should also look at the excellent work of Chris Chapman (somebody else who's work you don't see enough of in print). But for the simple day to day life of people living in close rural communities James Ravilious just does it for me every time.
One point that I think is important when looking at Mr Ravilious's work, is to look at how he constructs his photographs, they are not merely the recording of everyday events, they are works of art as well as the recording of events. This is what makes him a great photographer rather than just a good documentary maker.
I only wish he was alive today so he could continue and develop his work, I also wish more publishers would start printing quality books of his his photographs!
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A Humane Cartier Bresson
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I was given this book some years ago and it is safe to say that it changed my life; I returned to photography and now run my own studio directly because this book by James Ravilious inspired me so much.
What is so unique about Ravilious's photographs of Devon is that they combine the lyricism of Cartier Bresson and the structure of Kertesz. In addition the photographs embody a certain English empathy that is more truly quintessential to this nation than many better known facets of this nation's character. The photographs are beautifully printed paying full respect to Ravilious's own special technique.
For anybody who wants to sit and look at truly beautiful, intimate photographs this is your book and for anybody who wants a key to the English psyche this is your book, too.
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