Book Description

Acclaimed American documentary photographer Mary Ellen Mark (b. 1940) made her first iconic pictures when living in Turkey on a Fulbright Fellowship in the mid-1960s. Her photographs of Bombay brothels, shot in the late 1970s, were published in 1981 in Falkland Road, a book that became legendary and confirmed her status as one of the most prominent and provocative documentary photographers working today.

Mark’s pictures are a celebration of humanity in its most diverse and eccentric forms. Circuses, gypsy camps, children yearning for adulthood, the poor and destitute are some of her recurring themes. Mark has the unique ability to capture gestures and expressions that translate the intense emotions of her subjects. Compassionate but never literal, her pictures can be humorous, tragic, enigmatic, shocking, and oftentimes all of these simultaneously.

This book presents for the first time a selection of the strongest pictures of Mark’s forty-year career, drawing from emblematic series such as "Falkland Road," "Indian Circus," and "Twins," as well as a selection of previously unpublished images. The photographs are accompanied by an introduction by Weston Naef, and an interview with Mark that provides context and behind-the-scene anecdotes. Together Mark’s images and words provide intimate insights into the lives of others, presenting compelling stories of human strength and suffering. ... Read more

Book Description

Mary Ellen Mark, voted by the readers of American Photo as the most influential woman photographer of all time, has made some of America's most iconic images in a career spanning more than three decades. In Twins, Mark turns her eye and her heart to the extraordinary bond that exists between these very special siblings. For two years in a row, she set up a studio on the site of America's premier twins festival and invited participants to be photographed. Using a twenty-by-twenty-four-inch Polaroid camera, Mark created an extraordinary body of work-a collection of sometimes beautiful, often unsettling images-that reveals subtle nuances in the relationships of the twins she observed. Gorgeously printed in tritone, the book replicates the stellar quality of her large-format photographs in a fitting tribute to one of America's preeminent photographers.

Mary Ellen Mark's photographs have appeared in Life, The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Vogue, Us, and The Sunday Times Magazine of London.
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Reviews (2)

Presenting subtle differences as well as similarities
Artist/author Mary Ellen Mark spent two consecutive years setting up a studio on the site of the Twinsburg, Ohio 'twin days' festival', inviting twins to be photographed: Twins provides a collection of startling images which succeed in presenting subtle differences as well as startling similarities between twins. The multicultural representation of twins as well as the inclusion of which twin is older by how many minutes makes these full-page black and white photos exceptional works of art and study.

Beautiful Portraits
Haven't most of the rest of us all wondered at one time or another what it would be like to have a twin? It is amazing that two people can look so alike. And we can only imagine that there is a closeness there that most of us never experience in our lives.

Though a picture may not be able to get inside someone's mind, it can sure come close with the right artist and Mary Ellen Mark has an ability to see inside her subjects that is nearly unequaled. And that may be why I find these pictures of twins so compelling. Looking at these twins you cannot help but notice the similarities at first glance. And Mark's poses encourage this: symmetries and mirror images. But this is just a trick that lets her camera look beyond. The more you look the more the differences--wisps of hair, injuries old & new, the twist in a smile--jump out and are moving.

I am a big fan of photographic portraiture and Mark is an expert in the genre. In twins she has chosen a theme that plays to her strengths. I would encourage everyone who loves photography to take a look at her work. And once you've studied these pictures to your heart's content, take some time to peruse the excerpts from the subject interviews at the end of the book. It adds another dimension to what you've seen. All in all, this is a book to add to your art book collection. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Get into the head of Mary Ellen Mark
This book uses a Q&A format in an interview with Mary Ellen Mark and the Smithsonian asks all the right questions. They start out with how she got started, what it takes to put a photo essay together, if she uses assistants and if art directors have a say over what she does.

My only complaint about this is how short it is. But in these 62 pages the first half gives you what it takes to start in making great pictures and the second half shows you some of Mark's awesome work.

As a student of photojournalism looking to do similar work, this is a valuable resource.

Por los ojos de Mary Ellen Mark y a traves del ensayo!
Un excelente libro con soberbias imágenes de Mary Ellen Mark, edicion bien cuidada y papel de excelente calidad viene a ser la base para emprender un viaje por los ojos de esta gran fotógrafa documental a traves del Ensayo Fotografico, venga pues no dejen de darle una mirada de cerca! ... Read more

Book Description

The unspoken poetry of our nation revealed by an American master.

The first collection of the extensive and superlative work realized by Mary Ellen Mark in the United States, Mary Ellen Mark is composed of many previously unpublished images, as well as photographs from several of her best-known projects. From "Streetwise" to "The Damm Family," Mary Ellen Mark includes the most iconic images from these groundbreaking stories, as well as powerful, never-before-seen photographs Mark accomplished in subsequent years. She makes a deeply felt commitment to her subjects, and her empathy and humanity come through in every image.

Mark is unsurpassed at shaping not only the odd but the everyday into genuinely surprising visual icons. With an eye for symbolism and a gift for meticulous composition, she is drawn to a variety of spectacles and situations, and demonstrates a particular affinity for children. Her elegantly revealing imagery creates a fascinating portrait of our complex, amusing, and occasionally unsettling country.
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Reviews (5)

A good introduction to an amazing photographic eye
I read about the Phaidon 55S series in Popular Photography and thought I would check out the volume on Mary Ellen Mark. I have been drawn to her photographs for years and had recently seen an exhibition of her work in NYC. She has Walker Evan's gift for capturing moments in people's lives and she finds the life beyond the smile or grimace of the subject.Her subjects are lively and a bit wicked at times, but there is supreme truth in her photographs. This series gets its title from the fact that each book has 55 photos by the subject. The price is excellent for someone who wants to collect some great art for a low price. Great introduction to a talented artist....highly recommended.

Respecting the Humanity of All
Summary: These black-and-white images are produced on wonderful paper and with great quality. They explore the underlying human qualities we all share. The work is introduced by a Maya Angelou poem, and is concluded by an excellent essay in which Ms. Mark explains her work. Her subjects are mostly people of the economic and social underclasses as they pursue their hopes and dreams, while dealing with their day-to-day problems. Viewing these photographs will draw you closer to people who, on the surface, are quite different from you. The models are often captured over time and in alternative settings to help explain their lives and personalities.

Content Caution: The images in this book contain a few involving minor female nudity that would earn its contents an R rating if it were a motion picture.

Review:

"I note the obvious differences

in the human family."

" . . . but we are more alike, my friends,

than we are unalike." -- Maya Angelou

The theme of this poem nicely captures the focus of this book of loving photographic images. As Ms. Mark says, "I much prefer to photograph people I care about." She wants to "build a rapport with my subjects." In studying them, "I am guided by what moves and surprises me." That final element will affect you as well. Too often, we mentally pass by those around us. Ms. Mark's images make us want to reach out with our hearts and minds.

The book shows people from all parts of America over the period from 1963 through 1999. The photographs portray all kinds of races, creeds, colors, and political and sexual persuasions. Ideas that you may not like are portrayed involving people you will probably find appealing. That juxtaposition of people and issues will cause you to rethink how you relate to others. It will probably make you more modest and humble, and that's good. Special themes involve the mentally ill, twins, homelessness, beauty contests, political rallies, and families over time.

My favorite images in the book are as follows:

Santa Claus at Lunch, New York City, 1963;

Marky Mark concert, Jersey City, New Jersey, 1993;

Hot Tub, West Orange, New Jersey, 1999;

Bodybuilder, Daytona Beach, Florida, 1991;

Russell, Kansas, 1986;

Mary Frances in the tub, Ward 81, Salem, Oregon, 1976;

Jail, Houston, Texas, 1977;

Husband and wife, Harland County, Kentucky, 1971;

Jesse Damm, Llano, California, 1994;

Hurstie Laxton after the flood, St. Louis, Missouri, 1993;

Million Youth March, New York City, 1998;

Lakiesha, South Dallas, Texas, 1988;

Clinton Albright and his father, Santa Clarita, California, 1982;

Nightclub off of Highway 61, Michigan, 1991;

Vashira and Tashira Hargrove, twins, H.E.L.P. Shelter, Suffolk, New York, 1993; and

Tiny, pregnant, Seattle, Washington, 1985.

After you see these photographs, you will probably agree with Ms. Mark that she has been on "a long and blessed journey" that has opened her heart and ours.

Seeing these photographs should encourage you to become acquainted with people you see who you would normally not think to speak to. Try living that way for a day. If you enjoy the experience, keep on going -- taking it . . . one day at a time.

Find the common ground . . . wherever you go!

A Glimpse at the Soul
I was fortunate enough to see the exhibition of these photographs at the International Center of Photography a few days ago. If you can, go to see the show before it closes. If you can't, buy this book and get a glimpse at the power of a photograph.

Though no expert, I enjoy the art of photography. I am particularly interested in portraits of real people. Mary Ellen Mark has the ability to capture people with extra-ordinary depth and feeling. Almost without fail, her images are moving. With a skill beyond the normal artist, however, her images have the ability to be thought-provoking.

Consider a photo labelled "Aryan Nations, Hayden Lake, Idaho, 1986." Three pleasant-looking, smiling women--the cherubic face of the woman on the far right particularly draws the eye--set in counterpoint to their white supremacist garb. Or consider the series of photographs of Tiny who has clearly experienced many things in her life but who face, amazingly, holds the same soul in each image. Or consider the contrast between the photographs of Julie d'Aquili and Cynthia Galves despite their similar poses. Julie is a healthy young woman but her somber expression stands out starkly against the cancer-ridden Cynthia who still manages a smile.

I believe that I could write something about every single photograph in this collection. Let me instead just say that these photographs will grip you and hold your attention for hours. You will come back to them again and again. And, unlike reproductions of paintings in a book, photographs do not suffer from the process nearly as much. I would encourage anyone with an interest in photography to take a look at this book.

fat acceptance
One image is worth the price: four women, floating in a swimming pool, arms and legs linked, at the national Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, Big and Beautiful New Year's Eve Party, Long Island, New York, 1996.

(Great book for Hasselblad nerds; it will give you a lot of ideas for how to fill a square frame creatively.)

Stunning.
This book contains some unforgettable photographs. However,in my mind, one stands out above all the others. Jesse Damm; a white boy about ten years old is depicted in profile wearing a torn sweat shirt. His head is shaved and not even his eyebrows are visible. His face has several small scabs or perhaps it is dirt and he does not look well. In deed what he looks like is something out of a horror film. What is so remarkable about this shot is that it fills me with the strongest urge to gather the child up into my arms and take care of him. Remarkable because I've never wanted anything to do with poor or sick people and untill now the only children capable of stirring my emotions have been the attractive ones. This photo made me wonder if perhaps I've discovered something new in myself. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Superb photographic portrature
Mary Ellen Mark is an outstanding photographer. This is among her best work. Her superb technique complements her incisive portraiture. She has studied the circuses of India carefully and captured something of the soul of her subjects. Many of the performers that she photographs are young, and for all intents and purposes are indentured servants. Their lives are filled with pathos, but also with immense pride in what they do. It is impossible not to be moved by this wonderful book. I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great artist and great selection of her work
This is a great book.It was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so glad I bought it.Mary Ellen Mark is a very talented photographer and this book has a great selection of her work, I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes photography, especially photographs of people.

An inspiration
This book inspired me to take up photography.The images are powerful, and heart felt.I sincerly hope that this book will once again be avaliable for purchase.

Best of Mary Ellen Mark
This book, 25 Years, is the finest representation of a photographers work that I know of in print!I never tire reading the articles and studying her work.A fine collection of a fabuluse artist.I pray that thepublisher reprints the book again.It is much to hard to find and shouldbe more excesible to readers and those who appreicate good photography ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Family Practice News, published by International Medical News Group on January 1, 2005. The length of the article is 824 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Surviving without liability insurance--1 year later.(Practice Trends)
Author: Mary Ellen Schneider
Publication: Family Practice News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2005
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 35Issue: 1Page: 64(1)

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from U.S. Catholic, published by Claretian Publications on July 1, 2004. The length of the article is 413 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: What gall!(you may be right)(Letter to the Editor)
Author: Mark Franceschini
Publication: U.S. Catholic (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2004
Publisher: Claretian Publications
Volume: 69Issue: 7Page: 7(1)

Article Type: Letter to the Editor

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Florida Trend, published by Trend Magazines, Inc. on March 1, 2004. The length of the article is 2366 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Constitutional clutter: the Legislature will focus on Florida's Constitution this session--specifically, whether it's become too easy to change.(Tallahassee trend: Florida's Constitution)
Author: Mark R. Howard
Publication: Florida Trend (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2004
Publisher: Trend Magazines, Inc.
Volume: 46Issue: 12Page: 48(4)

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Skin & Allergy News, published by International Medical News Group on June 1, 2004. The length of the article is 555 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Medicare law simplifies payment, audit processes.(Practice Trends)
Author: Mary Ellen Schneider
Publication: Skin & Allergy News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2004
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 35Issue: 6Page: 79(1)

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Masthead, published by National Conference of Editorial Writers on September 22, 1996. The length of the article is 59004 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Selected editorials from various publications comment on the issue of race the social inequality fostered by it. Minority editorial writers such as Caroline Brewer, Frank Del Omo, and William Wong dwell on topics such as affirmative action which does not seem to have had an impact on the journalism industry and on the often negative perceptions of minorities and its social implications. Dorreen Yellow Bird writes on the injustices of white society against Native Americans and the need for payback.

Citation Details
Title: Pieces of a dream. (selected editorials dealing with racial issues)
Author: Caroline Brewer
Publication: The Masthead (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 22, 1996
Publisher: National Conference of Editorial Writers
Volume: v48Issue: n3Page: p58(10)

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Reviews (1)

Insights into portrait photography from two of the greatest
Excellent value -- a small, well-written book based on interviews with two of our greatest portrait photographers/photojournalists. A valuable starting point for photo students and amateurs who would like to know how two of the experts work with their subjects. The emphasis is on capturing the spirit and essence of the subject and creating interesting compositions; this is not a technical work. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Florida Trend, published by Trend Magazines, Inc. on November 1, 2001. The length of the article is 7907 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: WHERE WE STAND.(commentary on Florida's economy)
Author: John Annunziata
Publication: Florida Trend (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2001
Publisher: Trend Magazines, Inc.
Volume: 44Issue: 7Page: 44

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, published by American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) on March 1, 1993. The length of the article is 70686 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: An investigation was conducted to determine if ballistic stretching could induce significantly higher levels of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) than static stretching. Contrary to expected results, static stretching induced higher DOMS levels than ballistic stretching. Furthermore, higher levels of creatine kinase, a marker for muscle tissue disruption, were associated with ballistic stretching.

Citation Details
Title: The effects of static and ballistic stretching on delayed onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase.
Author: Lucille L. Smith
Publication: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 1993
Publisher: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
Volume: v64Issue: n1Page: p103(5)

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