| PRODUCT DETAILS | | American Ruins |  | |
American Ruins
"American Ruins" is the first photography book to document historic ruins throughout the United States. It presents a stunning visual record of ruins ranging from ancient Native American dwellings in the Southwest to the remains of Gilded Age mansions on the East Coast and a king's summer home in Hawaii. Luminous infrared photographs expose crumbled walls, weathered facades and overgrown flora, and are accompanied by brief essays detailing the historical, geographical and architectural significance of each site. This landmark publication raises awareness of and appreciation for overlooked ruins that remain unknown even to most Americans. It captures the visual poetry of each place and offers a new way of seeing the landscape, the past and the collective identity of America. This work is a unique, awe-inspiring photographic record of American history. This is the first photographic record of historic ruins throughout the United States. It will appeal to anyone interested in architecture, photography, history, archaeology and Americana.
Manufacturer: Merrell
Price Range: $19.99 - $45.00
 American Ruins
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| User Reviews |  | Infrared photography is distracting
rating: 1
I was very disappointed in this book. I have collected many photography books on ruins since the 1970s. This is one I would not have bought if I had been aware of the use of infrared imaging. The infrared imaging makes the foliage in most photos stand out so much that it distracts from the structures being portrayed. Drooker is a good photographer as far as composition and fine black and white images. The only sections that were really beautiful, to me, were the Bethlehem Steel works, where there was little or no foliage in glaring white to distract from the objects. The buyer should be aware of his use of infrared in the description of the book. I was unaware of it because the book was "recommended" to me on my email and I did not look at the entire description. It was suggested by Amazon since I have often bought photography books and books on ruins. The description on the book's site is actually misleading - it certainly is NOT the first book to cover American ruins. I have many others in my bookshelves.
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Not what I expected
rating: 2
I was intrigued when I first saw this book on Amazon, and was pleased to later receive it as a gift. But I was immediately disappointed when I discovered that the images are all infrared photos. The result is certainly not informative, nor would I consider it art. Rather, they are overstylized, self-consciously "arty," and frankly hacky-tacky. Why, when one has subjects as dramatic as these, not present them as is? Why deny the reader/viewer the chance to see these buildings and places as they really look? I recommend instead any of Camilo Jose Vergara's books. His images of American ruins are probably more journalism than art, but they at least let the fascinating ruins speak for themselves.
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Interesting Infra-red Photos
rating: 4
IR photography was popular some 50 years ago and remains an interesting way to view landscapes. The MOST interesting facet of the book is the selection of ruins that, in many cases are little known outside their immediate area.
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Not worth the money
rating: 2
It was a book I wanted. I bought it at the high price. When I got it there is so much type written words where you would expect more pictures. Also the pictures are done in Black and White. Where the ruins blend in and you cannot really see them. Also many of the pictures look the same but say different ruins. So, less type and more color pictures or a better photographer.
Not worth the money!!!!
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American Ruina
rating: 5
The book was well put togetheer and had sites in it that I had not been to and knew very little about. The Photography was good and helped with the written explanations of each site.
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American Ruins
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