Just yesterday I started to get word that readers are beginning to receive their copies of Peter's book French Kiss. All the comments I've gotten so far are positive, even glowing—and a pleasure to read. Perked up my day.
The pre-sale during the month of October was much more successful than anticipated, but there are still roughly 1,200 copies left out of the printing of 3,000...and plenty of time to order and receive a book before Christmas.
If you haven't gotten yours yet, it shouldn't be long now. Peter is working hard signing books (it's truly not a trivial task to sign 1,700 books being suitably careful not to damage or mar them in any way) and more books are being shipped every day.
I'd love to hear your impression if you've gotten yours.
The 'fatal personage'
Meanwhile, I've received more than half a dozen selected new books here at sprawling TOP World Headquarters in the past few weeks. Several are beautiful or fascinating, but the one that's got me completely gobsmacked is Aperture's Sergio Larrain, which is just a masterpiece in every conceivable way—just a superlative, superlative book.
...And fast becoming a favorite...I've been dipping into its riches little by little, the same way I read in three of my touchstone tomes, Orwell, de Maupassant, and Montaigne. The last photo book I "read" this way was the great Snaps
Larrain, who died last year, was too loose for his time. But he's perfect—perfect—for now. Looking through this treasure trove makes my eyes go wide with wonder.
I'll have more to say about this one anon, I'm sure. Whew. What a glory.
Mike
Original contents copyright 2013 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.
(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:
Chap Achen: "Peter Turnley's French Kiss is the best of all the books that I have ordered based on your suggestions. The images that are reproduced in the book make me want to a) go to Paris and b) get back in my darkroom. My wife also wants to know just how many books do you need, and where are you going to put them? Thanks again for all the great suggestions."
Victor Bloomfield: "Got it a couple of days ago. It's terrific: charming and moving scenes, beautifully captured and superbly printed. My wife, who sometimes sighs with impatience when another photo book arrives, said 'This one is really sweet!'"
V. Roma: "Can't believe I had never heard of Sergio Larrain. Thank you!"
ABCALOF: "Peter's new book French Kiss is absolutely fantastic, capturing the beauty and simplicity of Paris. It has inspired me to continue looking for the honesty and beauty in every day life that we so overlook as human beings. I'm honored to own a copy."
Michael Perini: "I received the book a few days ago, A really elegant package for a beautiful book. Knowing many of the pictures is like seeing old friends—you anticipate seeing them, and when they arrive with the turn of a page, they are even better than you remembered. I have my own informal test for separating good photographers from Really Good Photographers. It's in the hesitation to turn the page because the current photograph has a hold on you. Mr. Turnley easily meets the test.
"I am struck over and over by the simple humanity of the pictures. They are not showy but simple, real, and essential. A really lovely book. I did however, put it down to go slap my camera. ;-) More than once."
Giovanni (partial comment): "I totally agree that Larrain's book is to be savored page by page. Rarely seen such density of consistently great images, with a unity of vision that not even your friend Erwitt can match. (Yet I love Erwitt too!)
"Discovering him this summer and then seeing the exhibition running at the H.C-B Foundation in Paris just blew my mind. Still reeling."
Joe Holmes: "Shhh! Not so loud! I'm putting my copy away as a Christmas present for my wife. It would have been a Valentine's Day present, but are you kidding me, an extra six weeks' wait?"
Stephen F Faust: "It was a very good weekend—not only was it my birthday, but I received my copies of both French Kiss AND Here Far Away! Other than cracking French Kiss to briefly flip through it and see Peter's autograph, I haven't spent a lot of time with it, instead deciding to delve into Here Far Away first. No offense to Peter of course. :-) ."
Steve Rosenblum (partial comment): "I like French Kiss so much that I sent signed copies of it to my children to keep as a symbol of love through the years."
Cathy Seith: "Your beautiful book French Kiss arrived in Atlanta today, a birthday gift to myself. Your images brought tears to my eyes. Lovely work Peter. I saw you speak for the National Press Photographer's Association about 25 years ago, when I was just starting out as a photojournalist. Then, and now, it opens up a whole new world to me."
Darnell Newsum (partial comment): "I received my copy of French Kiss late last night—unbelievably, the Post Office rang my bell at 9:30—a true special delivery! It is a beautiful, warm and inspiring book and I have been smiling since I opened it."
Maybe "Sprawling TOP World Headquarters" should be abbreviated "STOP World". ;)
Posted by: Mark | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 11:36 AM
Got mine in yesterday's mail. Beautifully done. (Slipcase is rather a tight fit, though).
Posted by: Mike R | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 11:37 AM
Mine arrived on Saturday. It's exquisite -- the pictures, the design, the binding and case. The images are not in chronological order but if you look carefully you can see an evolution in his work. The early photos are reminiscent of the greats he mentions in his opening essay but as time goes on you can see how he developed and how he learned to get close and relate to his fleeting subjects (this is something he teaches in his workshops). And it's Paris. Can't beat that.
Posted by: Joseph Reid | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 12:01 PM
I got my book yesterday.
It looks great. But I'm also struck by how different the digital pictures are from the film. It's interesting to me how your brain can be programmed to convince itself that 35mm B&W pictures should look a particular way and be thrown off when they do not look like that.
The smoothness and lack of grainy texture can be off-putting until you tell yourself to stop being silly.
Posted by: psu | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 12:06 PM
I received my copy of French Kiss yesterday. Originally, I wasn't going to purchase the book, but I changed my mind and am I glad I did! I've been following and admiring the Turnley brothers' work for many years and I love Peter's vision and his way of seeing. He has captured Paris in way in which I have not before seen, through couples and their affection. Its the people and not the city, that brings meaning for me. The printing is rich and detailed on heavy stock paper. Thanks for bringing me this opportunity. I really like these images and this book. I look forward to his next book.
Posted by: Dennis Mook | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 12:29 PM
I asked for French Kiss (he carefully said) for Crimbo. 'Spose now I'm gonna be tortured by all you lot posting comments about how good it is.
Just ask me again in a month and a week.... : ]
Posted by: Roger Bradbury | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 12:54 PM
Hi Mike,
You forgot to link to Aperture's Sergio Larrain book via Amazon. I'm sure a lot of people will be interested in buying it.
Posted by: Suprada | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 12:59 PM
Yes! Received the book yesterday, in perfect condition (despite a nasty gash in the outside of the box.) It is BEAUTIFUL. My lovely wife looked at the first couple of pages and asked, deadpan, "Is this a kissing book?" *
Looks like it as signed with a Sharpie, and there is a piece of white paper over the signature to keep it from smearing onto the opposite page. Smart. (And a lot faster than waiting for it to dry completely.)
*(Princess Bride reference for those who don't know.)
Posted by: Ken Bennett | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 01:01 PM
I received my copy of French Kiss yesterday. Gorgeous book!
Posted by: Mark Olwick | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 01:15 PM
No link to Larrain's book?
[I'm really losin' it. Thanks for letting me know. --Idiot Mike]
Posted by: Marc Gibeault | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 01:22 PM
Peter's book arrived in Maine on 18 November wrapped in the sturdiest packaging I have seen in a long time Thanks to all involved. Regards, Jim
Posted by: Jim Freeman | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 01:45 PM
Mike - still waiting for my copy of French Kiss, but ordered Sergio Larrain just now. Interesting that it's a tad cheaper on the Canadian Amazon site than on the US one - this happens frequently. Anyway thanks for the heads up on these 2
David
Posted by: david | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 01:51 PM
Just bought the Montaigne book, thanks Mike! I've been trying to recall this man's name for years and years now and have always wished I'd bought this writing when I first learned of it.
I eagerly look forward to "dipping in" in a couple days when it arrives!
Posted by: Phil Maus | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 02:11 PM
I discovered Sergio Larrain a few years ago and have the London book. He was an incredible photographer and love his work.
Posted by: Jim Meeks | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 02:19 PM
On the Magmum website, they have two portfolios of Larrain photos, one of which is appaently the photos from the book.
Posted by: rnewman | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 02:43 PM
Mike, I received my first copy on Friday and it is stunning, the printing beautiful, some of the best I've seen in a book, and though I haven't been to Paris (yet) it makes me feel like I'm there...the sense of joy and love of life that has been described to me by
a friend who has spent a lot of time in Paris shines out from these photos.
The book's slipcase was damaged in shipping but Peter is sending a replacement when he ships my book/photos combo. What a NICE guy. In corresponding with him you can tell that he hasn't let fame go to his head. I generally like to shoot alone but I'd really enjoy spending a day shooting/talking and drinking coffee with him.
My second copy arrived on Monday in perfect condition.
Thank you again for setting all this up. I can't wait for Christmas morning to see my wife's reaction when she opens up her copy of FK along with the photos, she is enthralled by the book.
cheers,
Bob Smith
Arlington VA
West Milford NJ
Posted by: Bob Smith | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 04:24 PM
My book arrived yesterday. It's beautiful. Maybe the best photo book I've ever seen. I'm extremely happy to add it to my library.
Posted by: Dave Levingston | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 05:04 PM
Just opened mine about an hour ago. Spectacular! And finally a properly made dust jacket.
Posted by: Barry | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 05:20 PM
Re: Sergio Larrain
It's worth mentioning that he was a Magnum photographer and that folks considering taking your bait can get a fine sampling of his work on magnum's site before making the rather sizable investment in the book.
Posted by: Kenneth Tanaka | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 06:11 PM
Mine came this evening. Gorgeous...
Posted by: Bill Beebe | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 06:37 PM
Still waiting for mine.
Posted by: DennisDunyahn | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 07:23 PM
I received my copy of "French Kiss" today and it is a very beautifully made book of wonderful photographs. I know that Peter is a great admirer of well made photography books and I can see that in the incredible attention to detail that can be seen in the creation of this book. I have photographed on the streets of Paris with Peter and it is hard for me to imagine another contemporary photographer with a better eye for the City of Light. He loves the place and its people, and it shows in his work. I like the book so much that I sent signed copies of it to my children to keep as a symbol of love through the years.
Posted by: Steve Rosenblum | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 08:02 PM
Mine arrived today and I concur with the others; it's stunningly beautiful.
Posted by: Ed Hawco | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 09:17 PM
Just got this book. It is wonderful. Peter works in the tradition of many of the great Parisian photographers of the last 100 years. But I think his bravery and ability to connect with people shines very brightly here, maybe more so than any others before him. This is as much a visual novel about love and human connection as it is about Paris. Paris simply makes these emotional and physical connections real and believable. In any other city a body of work like this might come across as overly dramatic or sentimental. But in this context they feel authentic and wonderful. The printing of both the book and the prints is gorgeous. I like the deeper tonality he creates here with his photographs.The tonal range is as rich and as tangible as the wool of a sweater or the stone of the street. This book, I think will be a classic. It is a wonderful trip through Paris and life as we should all live it.
Posted by: Mike Tittel, Cincinnati Ohio | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 09:40 PM
My book arrived yesterday and all I can say "is it is simply a MASTERPIECE". It exceeded my expectations and was done in a first class manner. Peter Turnley is an inspiration to Photographers around the world. If you have a chance to own one you won't regret it!!
Posted by: David Berry | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 09:43 PM
Received mine yesterday and think it's fantastic. Despite very good packaging the shipper managed to slightly dent one corner of the slipcase, but I think I'll just live with it. Glad to have access to the book through TOP! Thanks!
Posted by: Raymond Hunter | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 10:29 PM
My book showed up today. Pouring rain (Oregon). Well packaged. Book and slipcover were dry as a bone. The photos are beautiful. Money well spent. And a bargain at that.
Posted by: Rick Wilcox | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 11:05 PM
Received yesterday. Wonderfully stunning shade of red! Photos make you smile or chuckle, sometimes sigh. Very nice.
Posted by: Merle | Tuesday, 19 November 2013 at 11:58 PM
Received my book yesterday - really happy with the images and the repro quality.
Also been shooting the OMD EM1 this week and have been riding a bit of an emotional rollercoaster with it. I want to love it. I find the image quality quite good. Coming from Nikon D3S and D800 the I do have to be realistic in terms of IQ - the EM1 is good considering the benefits of the small camera size. I've printed some 8x10's and like them a lot.
I brought it with me on a job tonight to see some real-world action. I must say that I was not thrilled. In more static shooting environments and in bright light, the camera handles well. But in some lower light (iso 500 1/80th at 2.8) shooting in a journalism fashion - run and gun, the camera wasn't really on par with the Nikons in terms of responsiveness. Focusing was pretty tough. And while the EVF is really great to view for landscape and portraits, when you get the camera moving to follow people around as I was doing tonight, there is still a bothersome lag. It makes it very difficult to know that you had the focus nailed.
I had two batteries in the camera -body and grip - and they were depleted in about 80 minutes of shooting! 300 raw files or so??? One Oly battery and one Wasabi.
In fairness, I do need to attribute some of the handling problems to my newness to the system, but when the battery died and i moved to the D3s, the crispness of the focusing and ability to quickly track subjects was a huge relief.
Deciding whether to pack this stuff up for return, including the 12-40mm 2.8 pro and flash. I'm comfortable with the relative image quality. I'm more concerned with the handling and speed of operation and autofocus. To a certain degree that is the opposite of my expectations.
Wondering if the best way to lighten the load of my rig might be more fast primes and less zooms on the Nikons???
Posted by: John Gillooly | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 12:11 AM
I ordered French Kiss with the intention of giving it as a gift, but saw immediately I'd have to keep it for myself. So I ordered a second.
Posted by: cfw | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 05:09 AM
Just delivered (UK)a few minutes ago. Unpacked and the presentation quality is of the highest order. Time to sit down and enjoy, with a tumbler of refreshing water, or what I call whiskey!
Posted by: Andrew Artherton | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 07:20 AM
I had the great good fortune to buy French Kiss from Peter directly, at "Paris Photo" on 16th November.
If you like his work, I truly recommend that you make him sign some more books, by ordering French Kiss for yourself or as a gift for someone who will appreciate it.
The storytelling is very well done indeed. A treasure trove from decades of work.
Posted by: Eamonn Phillipson | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 07:39 AM
Received ours yesterday, Pete! It's stunning,Beas a belated birthday present for my Love, Korky, and she loves it! She has always wanted to go to Paris, and this will be our entree until we get there. Your labor of live and passion is wonderful.
Thank you for sharing your love for your city with us!
Posted by: Lee Balgemann | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 08:57 AM
I received my copy two days ago and opened it immediately. The best review I can give this book? It makes me happy.
Posted by: Dave Burns | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 10:37 AM
My personally-inscribed treasure just arrived. I will proudly display in my home to share with others. Well done, my friend! :D
Posted by: Linda Panyard Myers | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 10:48 AM
I received mine yesterday. The Red jacket got everyone's attention in family but the “oh-its-just-a-photography-book” looks were apparent as I opened it.
Anywho, I placed it under my daylight colored desk lamp and slowly started browsing it. Now, this generally does not happen, but my 5 year old son slide himself in my lap and curiously started looking at the pictures also. His questions, remarks with gestures to cover his mouth and then eyes (two adults kissing etc.) were just too cute for me to ignore. Slowly my 10 year old daughter joined leaving her studies aside and then my wife joined too. We spend about 30-40 minutes looking at the book, studying and guessing what was happening in the pictures – this, never happened for any books before! I think it is worth just for that!
Posted by: Neil | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 11:14 AM
I received my book on Monday the 18th.
IT-IS-STUNNING!!!
I'm fortunate to have a nice collection of coffee table books. Peter's "French Kiss" is amazing. The book, the slip cover, and to have a hand-written inscription!
As a professional photographer who admires Peter, and was/is inspired by his works, I'll treasure this one for the rest of my life!
Posted by: Kent Kriegshauser | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 12:06 PM
Congratulations on the book, Peter.
Posted by: Tony Navarro | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 12:40 PM
FRENCH KISS est magnifique! Paris is my favorite place on the planet and I go there when I can (a longer trip now from Santa Monica, CA) Looking at Peter's wonderful and loving pictures makes me feel like I'm there - walking along the Seine, sitting in a cafe, being near the Eiffel Tower which to me is like the Pyramids or Stonehenge. The book itself is stunning. Deepest and vibrant red. Like a beating heart. Okay, going over the top now. Just get this book. And if you love someone, give it to them.
Posted by: Lynn Lobban | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 12:49 PM
I received FRENCH KISS yesterday. It is a magnificent work, one that Peter can be justly proud, from the scarlet slipcase to every single "moment" in the pages.
It defies comment...well, almost
My two pesos!
Posted by: Hugh Smith | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 02:08 PM
I have just received my copy of "French Kiss". It is beautifully printed and is a real treasure of a book. Wonderful photographs full of the photographer's love…and insight. Delicious.
Sally
Posted by: Sally Perreten | Wednesday, 20 November 2013 at 04:48 PM
I have just received my copy of "French Kiss". The images reflected such a love of Paris, they drew me in and I already know I will keep returning to savor the warmth shown in every image.
The production and presentation of the book is beautiful. Will be a special addition to my bookshelf.
Posted by: Bill Symmons | Thursday, 21 November 2013 at 08:47 AM
I just received my book yesterday. I am so pleased. It is packaged beautifully. I will be sitting in front of my fireplace dreaming of Paris.
Truly a lovely vision of Paris through the photographers eyes.
Posted by: elise | Thursday, 21 November 2013 at 09:20 AM
I got this book earlier this week and it's wonderful. The images are a touching tribute to love and friendship. If you are a photographer or just a fan of medium, you should own this book.
Posted by: Ken | Thursday, 21 November 2013 at 01:47 PM
My copy arrived yesterday. What a treat!
Posted by: Animesh Ray | Thursday, 21 November 2013 at 07:09 PM
I received my French Kiss last week and waited till I had a glass of wine on Friday night to enjoy it. It was so worth the wait - a true inspiration of the city of love and a glimpse into the genius of Peter Turnley.
I love this book and will be reviewing the images on a regular basis - it is humanity in a dustcover!
I met Peter when I caught him photographing my wife and I in Paris, in retrospect if I hadn't noticed him I may have been in his images but then again I wouldn't have discovered my favourite photographer!
Thanks for the rich body of work.
Posted by: Peter McConnochie | Saturday, 23 November 2013 at 06:11 PM
My Turnley arrived this afternoon - 25/11/13 - by Fedex. Superb from A to Z!
The surprise: I thought the title "French kiss" was metaphorical. In fact it is completely literal. Peter is really the successor to the great French humanist photographers of the twentieth century, the poet of reality.
Posted by: Jlsalvignol | Monday, 25 November 2013 at 12:03 PM
Mike, just got the Sergio Larrain book, another purchase based solely on your recommendation. BAM...another home run!
Cheers, Bob
Posted by: Bob Smith | Tuesday, 26 November 2013 at 11:09 AM