A Book of Books

This is a true book-lover's book, albeit a book of unusual books. There are stacks of books and single books, 19th century books for the blind, oversize astronomy books, a table-sized Audubon book and an impossibly massive dictionary. There are water-damaged books and books that have been buried in dirt. But some of the most interesting books are those in which the author has created a fantasy world, (eg. Alice in Wonderland) and Morell plays on this tendency and strength of literature to invent alter realities. Morrell's photographic style is to use raking light to accentuate the subtle differences in tonality and surface, creating a rich sense of texture and tension.

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 Morell’s lens. Includes a lovely preface by Nicholson Baker. Perfect for any book enthusiast. (52 duotone photographs) --J.P. Cohen