A Book of Books

by Abelardo Morell

Buy new: $29.99 $14.95 Buy used: $14.95

Editorial Reviews

Although we may have been taught not to judge a book by its cover, photographer Abelardo Morell reverses the old saying and delightfully shows us how to relish a book by its look. This inventive and clever photographic ode to the printed word captures all the powerful possibilities contained on the page. A Book of Books gives us images that range from formal studies of shape and texture to the joyously whimsical.

Most luminous are the sculptural renditions, fluid pages curving over their spines like majestic mountains in the distance. The abstract pattern of a dictionary takes on the enigmatic characteristics of crop circles, while a water-damaged book shows itself as a twisted organic form. An aging book slowly decays in a stark image of paper so fragile it has practically turned to dust. Library stacks seen from above become a labyrinth through Morells lens. Includes a lovely preface by Nicholson Baker. Perfect for any book enthusiast. (52 duotone photographs) --J.P. Cohen

Customer Reviews

Check out the documentary on Morell..., 2008-12-18
by Judith (Boston, MA)

We can all agree the Morell's work is fascinating and beautiful. I recently was lucky enough to be able to attend a screening of the documentary film Shadow of the House - Photographer Abelardo Morell.

Filmmaker Allie Humenuk shot Morell at home and abroad for over 7 years. The film is absolutely beautiful, and it honestly depicts the artist and the artistic process.

Check out the website at http://www.shadowofthehouse.com. You can purchase the film online via this site.

A Book of Books, 2008-01-14
by Emily K

This is a great book and very interesting for everyone, not just artistic photographers. I love it! The only thing that was disappointing was that the label on the back of the book put on by Amazon was incredibly sticky and very hard to remove. I nearly damaged the book trying to get it off so be careful. Rubbing alcohol and a dull scraper of some kind works pretty good.

A Book of Books, 2007-12-13
by Amy M. Barker (Pennsylvania)

For anyone who appreciates the beauty of books or black and white photography, this is an absolute must have. It is beautiful. Highly recommended.

Peace in a disturbing world, 2003-03-12
by Linda Percy (Boston, MA United States)

When I first saw this book in a book store last December, and began looking through the pages, my eyes welled up with tears at the sheer poetry of the images. It was as if doors opened into other levels of awareness. When I put the book down, I realized that I had been looking at it for over an hour, and that's when I knew I simply needed to own it. Since then, the detail and depth of the images have provided a refuge from the news in the world today. There is still beauty and peace. Thank you, Abe Morell.

Exquisite., 2002-10-25

Everything Abelardo Morell does is gorgeous but what makes him such a genius is the mudane things he works with. The only photographer I can compare him to is Josef Sudek.

Let's be honest. Anybody can go to a beautiful place like Yosemite or Big Sur, take a view camera and wait for nice light. Instant Ansel Adams; you can't miss unless you kick the tripod.

But how many people can make a heartbreakingly beautiful photograph from a crumpled ball of paper or some peeling paint? Get this book of books and you'll see what I mean.