Stephen Shore: Uncommon Places: The Complete Works Hardcover – Illustrated, June 15, 2005

First, a declaration: this book of photographs by Stephen Shore has taken its place among my absolute favorite things in this world. I enjoyed every single gorgeous picture, every single page, even the blank ones (because of course they also have meaning). It is possible that I have never encountered an artist (of any type) with whom I share so much. Not just aesthetics, not just a sense of style and structure...these photos told me that Stephen Shore and I share a great deal more than that. He immortalizes views and landscapes -- intersections and backyards and window displays -- that exactly portray the way in which I strive daily to see the world. Let alone the way in which I try to take pictures. (Let that alone entirely.) He is tuned in to the unseen wavelength of quiet, unassuming vistas, and on my better days, I feel that tingle, too. Never has a book transported me so thoroughly. Never has a photo swallowed so much of my attention and focus all at once. I will return to this book often, I know it. And I will read the words again, too. The introduction and conversation are both vital discussions on the topic of Uncommon Places, and photography beyond that, and life beyond that. Uncommon Places indeed.

This book is like a time machine that takes you back to the doldrums of the 70's. Even if you never grew up in the 70's, such as myself, I feel instantly transported to that period of time. It is as if you can leap into the book and bring yourself to that state of mind of that time period. The photographer captures forgotten moments in time of what it was really like to live in the 70's. The textures, forms, colours, all convey an Americana as experienced by the photographer.The original 1982 pressing is quite expensive, but the latest version, Uncommon Places: The Complete Works is available.

So far the most enjoyable photography book out of the 3 I've handled and viewed about 70's artist. Prior to this book I acquired "New Topographics", the commemorative book of the then "novel" style, where I discovered Shore. Shore is a true master of color and composition, with his clean, neat, clever, delicate & fine style.For lovers of New Topographics and color photograpy this book is a must.So many plates, so beautiful, so varied (topographics, objects and interiors, portraits...)... browsing and watching the book for the first time was such a pleasant photo bombardment. The adecuate size of the book and the prints within (27 cms x 20 cms) contribute to deepen the experience. Very nice finish with white background for both the inner pages and the hardcover. Dustcover photos excel too.Highly recommendable, this book is a must

Two reasons I purchased this book: 1) I am a photography fan/hobbyiest photographer and 2) I hoped to unearth some "pictoral documents" of days gone by when I was a kid growing up in the '70s. This book quite simply captures scenes of cars, buildings, signs and street corners (from densely populated to dirt road outskirts) in carefully composed frames. Mr. Shore also included some nice portraits of folks he came across in his travels to find "uncommon" places. If you like fine art photography and want to take a visual trip back in time, you can't go wrong with this book. Highly recommended.

Terrific example of a star of the topographics movement, with compelling works capturing contemporary ennui and desolation.

Stephen shore uncommon places , is one of the best book i bought.this book has incredible print , and the overall filing the book has is saying quality all over it.the pictures in it are big and greatly enjoyable.of course is all about colure and for that alone the book is a mast have.every photograph in it is breath taking, and certainly give s the filing that this is something common and at the same time something extra ordinary.this is one of my best books till now

Eggleston, Meyerowitz and Shore books are all outstanding. This is no exception.

The Best Book!

Facinating and stylish, as its title suggests, this book takes you on a trip round the America you see every day, yet never bother to really notice. Shore a master of colour photography. The subjects may be everyday, but the quality and composition are anything but. My personal favorite is the Standard Gas station in LA. An everyday scene, but somehow, a work or art, like pretty much the rest of the book.

Shore is an essential listing in anyones collection of photographic material (books or prints). This book gives a great overview of his work and influences and is reproduced very beautifully.

Fascinating book of Shore's work showing a keen eye for the uncommon within the common or ordinary.Excellent source book for students of photography who focus upon urban scapes and demographic variety.

Really good!

Bought as a gift. He was very impressed that I had found this book.