Where did the Old Masters go?

[Michael Graves]

Over the past two weeks, I have been into several bookstores. Two B&N, on of the larger Borders, and three or four of the larger local shops. I could get more
David Hamilton I wanted along with half a dozen wannabes shooting topless teenies. Self-absorbent photographers specializing in self portraits were in abundance as well. But the books I was looking for, such Karsh and Weston are non-existent. No Minor White or Wynn Bullock either. They don't appear to be out of print, but they don't seem to be available locally either. I don't want to mail order because some of the reproduction quality is missing in many editions. I want to see what I'm shelling out fifty or sixty bucks for. Chain stores and the Internet are killing our local businesses.

[Denis Pleic]

I want to see what I'm shelling out fifty or sixty bucks for.

That's what the forums (fora?) are for. Ask first, then mail order...
The Onlike Photographer (Mike Johnston) has regular book recommendations, and I admit I've purchased several books he recommended. Never regretted a single purchase, and I can say I'm also picky when it comes to reproductions.

So, go ahead and ask. Someone's bound to have the edition you are about to buy, and will surely provide feedback re print quality, etc...
I've long ago given up on the chance to be able to leaf through a book before buying. Being in Croatia didn't help, either
Although I must admit I was floored when I found Ctein's "Digital restoration..." in a local (small-town) bookstore. Might be because it has "Digital" in the title
But, I did see e.g. two Annie Leibowitz hefty (and expensive) books... Plastic-wrapped, no peeking inside...

[Steve M Hostetter]

Over the past two weeks, I have been into several bookstores. Two B&N, on of the larger Borders, and three or four of the larger local shops. I could get more
David Hamilton I wanted along with half a dozen wannabes shooting topless teenies. Self-absorbent photographers specializing in self portraits were in abundance as well. But the books I was looking for, such Karsh and Weston are non-existent. No Minor White or Wynn Bullock either. They don't appear to be out of print, but they don't seem to be available locally either. I don't want to mail order because some of the reproduction quality is missing in many editions. I want to see what I'm shelling out fifty or sixty bucks for. Chain stores and the Internet are killing our local businesses.

Hi Michael,

Try half price books

[Steven Barall]

I feel your pain. If you should find yourself in NYC at any time, make sure to stop in at The Strand Book Store on Broadway and 12th St. The photo book section on the second floor is really good. Good luck.

[Brian Ellis]

Over the past two weeks, I have been into several bookstores. Two B&N, on of the larger Borders, and three or four of the larger local shops. I could get more
David Hamilton I wanted along with half a dozen wannabes shooting topless teenies. Self-absorbent photographers specializing in self portraits were in abundance as well. But the books I was looking for, such Karsh and Weston are non-existent. No Minor White or Wynn Bullock either. They don't appear to be out of print, but they don't seem to be available locally either. I don't want to mail order because some of the reproduction quality is missing in many editions. I want to see what I'm shelling out fifty or sixty bucks for. Chain stores and the Internet are killing our local businesses.

I think you're stuck with mail order for the kinds of books you're talking about. You might stumble on a few things here and there in local stores but if you want any big selection I think it likely has to be on line. I'd start on Amazon and then move on to big book stores like Powell's in Portland, OR that have a big collection of used books of all kinds, then to smaller specialty stores like Photo Eye in Sante Fe. But the prices may shock you. I have some of these kinds of older books, such as Minor White's "Mirrors Messages Manifestations," and see them listed at Photo Eye for $250 - $300. I of course don't know exactly which books you're talking about but many of the books by people like Weston, White, Karsh, etc. are out of print.

[Daniel Stone]

my neighborhood B&N has the same problem too. When they first opened 2 years ago, they had easily over 100 photo-related titles, most of them about the famous "old masters". Now they only have a few titles, most about how to photoshop your grandma's wrinkles out, or more topless, self-indulgent teenies.

truelly disturbing IMO. even if they don't want to carry the bulk of their online catalog in the store, they should at least have an honest-to-God SELECTION, rather than just one sort of books.

the Annie L. books are bound up tighter than a drum, here to , no peek-a-boo's...

-Dan

[Doug Howk]

As mentioned earlier, Mike Johnston's blog is good for book recommendations. Another more eclectic photo book blog is 5B4. Used bookstores, even some of the smaller local ones, can be good source for old masters.

[Michael Graves]

You guys are pretty much confirming what I already suspected. I am in Bridgeport, CT today and tomorrow and intend to hit a couple of stores here. The adventure continues.

[drew.saunders]

The SFMOMA's store has a good photography section, as one would expect. I presume the NY MOMA would have a reasonable selection as well.

[John Kasaian]

Over the past two weeks, I have been into several bookstores. Two B&N, on of the larger Borders, and three or four of the larger local shops. I could get more
David Hamilton I wanted along with half a dozen wannabes shooting topless teenies. Self-absorbent photographers specializing in self portraits were in abundance as well. But the books I was looking for, such Karsh and Weston are non-existent. No Minor White or Wynn Bullock either. They don't appear to be out of print, but they don't seem to be available locally either. I don't want to mail order because some of the reproduction quality is missing in many editions. I want to see what I'm shelling out fifty or sixty bucks for. Chain stores and the Internet are killing our local businesses.

Hopefully they are on the remainder tables---that way I can afford 'em!