Magnum Contacts Book

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Name
Gary
Edit My Images
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Hiya.


Just wondered if anyone own's this book. It's my Birthday soon and my Daughter will ask her Mum does Dad want anything for his Birthday?

Course Mum then asks me "you all know the game"

I usually reply just tell her to get me some socks as I never need anything and tbh for some strange reason I like being bought socks at Christmas and Birthdays maybe it's because they are useful :-)


Anyways I have become aware of this book and thought I may buy a copy for myself or maybe Daughter could get this for my Birthday.


My question is :


There is a paperback version available and a hardback.

Is there a vast difference e.g. size and quality.

I do realize the hardback is mega expensive for a mint copy, not going to get one of those but it appears you can pick a used copy up for not too much more than a new paperback.


Would it be worth it or is the paperback fine.


Gaz
 
Difficult to answer as I'm not sure how many people have both to compare! And "worth" is relative :)

I have the paperback and it's great in terms of quality. I do have Elliot Erwitt's "Personal Best" in hardback which is exactly the same size (and thickness). I think that because it's a thick book, the volume of pages tends to support itself and doesn't need a hard cover as much as perhaps a thinner book might. I can find no discernable difference between the two in terms of handling.

However I suspect it's going to be down to personal preference. My wife would never buy softcover if a hardback was available just on principle, and obviously a hardback is going to be more hard wearing. My books get relatively little use (I have lots of them and only one of me) whereas the books at college get thumbed through all the time and paperbacks would be dead in a week. Me - I don't care - and will generally go cheaper because I'm.... me.... :)
 
I have the paperback and it's great in terms of quality.
Thanks Ian.

Very informative reply.

I'll get the paperback. Cheaper is good too :-)

Like you say it is not something that will get looked at on a regular basis.

Thanks again.

Gaz
 
The hardback is a bit bigger (11x14" vs 9.5 x 11.5") which makes the sheets a little easier to look at, but it's definitely more bulky and needs to be on a table/stand to look at as a result.
 
I also have the paperback and it is lovely. Haven’t had it long so haven’t read it all yet.
 
It's a significant book in that it shows something of the editing (selection) of images from a series. Something that we aren't normally party to in others' work - we just see the finally chosen image(s).

It's reinforcing in the way that it reveals a process that we all go through privately.

It also relates to the taking process when options are being explored.
 
@droj Thanks for the input. I've ordered a copy. I look forwards to receiving it.

Gaz
 
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