All methods of photographic reproduction are interpretations. The Wise Silence is a beautiful book on its own terms. And the really exquisite images are in a carefully thought-out sequence. The 40-year Masterworks book is a successful attempt to reproduce Paul's work in manner that imitates his original prints. Either book would serve as a representation of Paul's art. Given your interest in print-quality, you might prefer the 40-year Masterworks book.
Is his Stone Churches of Ireland worth getting?
van Huyck Photography
"Searching for the moral justification for selfishness" JK Galbraith
I lean towards the Landscape book and Megaliths. The former because it really opened my eyes to a different approach to landscape from the Great American West of Adams and others. The latter because I have been intrigued by the topic since my teen years (45 years ago).
Another I would mention is Sunflowers.
As to the paper choice in the books, I think he is usually involved in the publication aspects of his work. (I'm not home now and can't check, but I believe Wise Silence was designed by his ex-wife Eleanor.) The matte suface may have been an attempt to covey the low-key, quiet nature of his work; I guess with mixed results based on the responses recorded here.
The Churches of Ireland is similar in some respects to the Megaliths work, taken in the same period. It is a thin, well reproduced book with a narrow focus. It is a good book, worth the relatively low price but is not my favorite.
I just picked up his latest book, Meditations in Silver (Nazraeli Press) a collection of his later still-lifes: well done (Nazraeli books usually are) catalog for a recent show in Santa Barbara. Some are familiar, some not. I generally like them, but find the titles really hokey. (I know what his reasons for the titles are, but that does not mean I like them.)
My books are still packed away in storage, but this thread prompted me to dig out Landscape and Sunflowers. Both are marvelous. Caponigro has been and still is definitely on my short list.
When I went home last night, I took a look at The Wise Silence and Masterworks From 40 Years side by side. If you think of the medium as book rather than photographic fine print, The Wise Silence wins out. It is beautifully designed sequenced and produced. The paper chioce is perfect within the context of the book. And since these are photographic books and not fine prints.....
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