Les Européens. Photographs and introduction by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Éditions Verve, Pairs, 1955. 114 pp. (plus text) First edition. Folio. Cover designed and executed by Joan Miro. 114 full-page gravure reproductions. 8 pp. caption booklet. Remnants of original acetate jacket laid in (printed front flap included).
"Cartier-Bresson worked on The Europeans for five years, a short period if one considers that the famous Images à la sauvette [The Decisive Moment] of 1952, was the fruit of twenty years' labour. Its presents a dense portrait of a Europe where, ten years after the war, accumulated ruins, as well as traces of hunger and misery on people's faces were still clearly visible. In the preface, nevertheless, Cartier-Bresson states that whether we are just passing or settled down in a particular place, in order to express a country or situation, one needs to have somehow established a close working relationship, to be supported by a human community; living takes time, and roots take shape slowly...Amplified and enriched, the work of the photographer with soles of wind is revealed in all it's grandeur."--Jean Clair, Maison Europeene de la Photographie, Paris
Included in Parr and Badger: The Photobook: A History, Vol. 1
Near Fine+; an very clean, bright copy with tight, square binding; wear to joints with some splitting to paper covering; tiny tears to joint at crown and base of spine; light bump to upper corners; small nick to lower corner. |
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