Martin Parr

"Photographers have been making photobooks--bound collections of their works--ever since the birth of photography in the early nineteenth century ... This publication tells the story of photography via the history of the photobook, revealing the ways in which photographers have influenced each other's work through their books, and consequently how their use of photography has developed over time ... The first of two extensive volumes, this publication explores more than 200 photobooks through 750 colour illustations, detailed captions, and an illuminating text written by the photographer"--Dustjacket.

"For the last few years, when on assignment, Martin Parr has had his picture taken by a local studio photographer, or street photographer, or in a photo booth. The resulting portraits range from pictures taken in elaborate studio sets reminiscent of the heyday of the Victorian studio photographer, through to digitally manipulated images of Parr as Mr. Universe, as well as images horrendously re- touched in the studio's efforts to flatter Parr and make him appear twenty years younger. As with all Parr's projects the book is not only hilarious but also raises broader issues of identity and self, questioning the whole notion of the photographic portrait."