Past Traces: Andrew Firth

[John Bennett]

A separate thread is warranted, I feel. My copy arrived yesterday.


One word: EXQUISITE.

Anybody who is interested in the East End's associations with the Whitechapel Murders should get this book. It's bloody marvellous.

The photography is second to none, reproduction quality is superb and the layout is sublime. It works so well on so many different levels. Even the overlays and street hybrid reconstructions are so subtly done that some of them are like little works of art in themselves. The Hanbury Street one had me giving a double take, it's done so well.

Before I end up in 'Pseud's Corner', I'll just say that I can't praise this wonderful little book enough. When it comes to depicting Ripper's London, Andrew has raised the bar. And then some.

At £17 it's worth every penny. Buy it, or I'll send the boys round.

[George Hutchinson]

I concur. Mine arrived yesterday too (along with Louis Berk's also worthy My Walk To Work').

Yep, it's a beauty and worth every penny and then some. Why on earth Andrew was apologising for the price of £17 is beyond me.

Imagine Andrew's usual style of photography, interspersed with many examples of the sort of thing Rob did for the cover of our book with the old and new photos of Crispin Street, and you get the idea. All in sharp, beautiful colour.

PHILIP

[Monty]

Right!

If its good enough for Ron n Reg above then its good enough for me.

I'll make my order.

Andrew, I know youre reading this, youre the author and ego drags us all to adulation, will you be going to the conference?

Monty

[Andrew Firth]

Why on earth Andrew was apologising for the price of £17 is beyond me.

I've just got this pre-conceived idea in my head, that for that price it should have been a hardback book, not softback. That's all really!

Thanks to everyone for their feedback; it's really been an absolute pleasure to put together. I'm very pleased that people are enjoying it so much!

All the best
Andrew

[Andrew Firth]

Andrew, I know youre reading this, youre the author and ego drags us all to adulation, will you be going to the conference?

Monty

Wish I was Monty, but I'm afraid I missed the boat on that one.

Andrew

[Monty]

Damn, I was looking forward to meeting you.

Monty

[Andrew Firth]

Damn, I was looking forward to meeting you.

Monty

Well, I suppose I could always hang around outside selling chestnuts!

Andrew

[Suzi]

You could!...or maybe lurk to sign copies of the book!!! I concur with John some of those overlays are heart stopping!!!

[Andrew Firth]

I'd love to do some more of those overlays, but unfortunately the original source material, (i.e. the old photographs) tend to still be in copyright, so it's a bit of a no-go. But on the photos front, I'll be taking more shots in the next few months, which will appear on the East End Photographs and Drawings thread, and also will go on my Flickr page.

All the best
Andrew

[The Grave Maurice]

I ordered a copy of the book as soon as I heard about it, and a copy of Louis Berk's also. I (like all of us, I'm sure) am a great admirer of Andrew's work. Virtually the only regret I have about living out here in the far reaches of the (former) Empire, is that it takes so long for books from the UK to arrive.

[Andrew Firth]

GM,

Your wait may not be all that long. UK and Europe orders are printed up and mailed from the Netherlands, but my understanding is, that with orders from Canada and the US, they're printed on that side of the pond.

The joys of electronic publishing eh?

All the best
Andrew

[JennyL]

I've just finally ordered Past Traces and can't wait. Talk about testimonials...the video didn't hurt either. All these things will have to suffice til my next trip to those parts.

I discovered I've ordered from Blurb before, incidentally; it was a very well produced volume and I'm sure they'll ship quickly, printing as you say from within the US.
-Jenny

[The Grave Maurice]

Hi Andrew,

You were right. The book had arrived when I got home this evening. It was mailed from Seattle.

I've had a quick look-through, and it's excellent. You, once again, show me the difference between a photographer (me) and a talented photographer (you). Some of your stuff is pure art, mate. I have shots of nearly everything that you do, but mine aren't half as good. I'll try using your technique of low angles. (Although, believe me, the older you get, the harder that is to do.)

I'll spend more time with your book this evening and will, undoubtedly, be back with more praise.

[The Grave Maurice]

Wow. Well, the photos, montages, and text are all first-rate. It's an exceptionally good book, Andrew. Congratulations.

[The Grave Maurice]

I'm not going to start a separate thread for this because, technically, it isn't related to JtR, but Louis Berk's book Walk to Work is well worth acquiring in addition to Andrew's. Berk isn't particularly interested in our boy, although he mentions him once or twice; nonetheless, those of us with an interest in the East End will find much to admire here. The standard edition, hardcover, is only about $45 (US) and is also available from Blurb. Berk has captured some great shots.