Let us make it clear from the start, this reviewer LOVES black and white photography, the starkness of the images and the enhancement of the contrasts. Marti Friedlander achieved that most difficult of tasks, to be a New Zealander and to gain an international reputation in her field.

Leonard Bell has a produced an excellent biography of one of New Zealand’s leading photographers. The biographical material is sympathetic and Friedlander’s photographic images expressive and beautiful.

The substantial collection of Friedlander’s work is, in itself, also biographical. Her work matures as she gains both years and experience. But Freidlander is not a one-trick pony. There are sufficient colour reproductions to demonstrate that she is equally adept and expressive in that form as well.

A beautiful book that will inspire the reader/viewer, either as an artists’ model for senior secondary photography students or simply as a delightful dip into the past for the pleasure of it.

Review by David