Martin Parr Books

This book provides a unique perspective on the story of photography through the particular history of the photobook. The second of two extensive volumes, it completes Martin Parr and Gerry Badger’s study of the major trends and movements that have shaped the photobook genre since the birth of photography. It represents a valuable catalogue of rare and important photobooks. This volume continues where Volume 1 left off by bringing the story of the photobook fully up to date.

When Martin Parr's 'The Last Resort' was first published and exhibited in 1986 it divided both critics and audience alike. Some saw it as the 'finest achievement to date' of colour photography in Britain whilst others viewed it as 'an aberration'. The book is now recognised as a 'classic'

While the history of photography is well-established, the photobook has received less critical attention, despite being a vital medium for photographers to showcase their work and communicate their vision. This first volume, co-edited by Martin Parr and Gerry Badger, offers a comprehensive overview of the photobook's evolution, tracing its origins from the early nineteenth century to the innovative Japanese photobooks of the 1960s and 70s, including modernist and propaganda works from the 1930s and 40s. Badger's introduction emphasizes the significance of the photobook as a photographic genre, challenging the traditional view that photography's history is best represented by original prints. This study corrects the conventional narrative by presenting a selection of photographers that redefines the popular canon, revealing a complex web of influences among global photographers and movements. Organized into thematic and chronological chapters, the book includes introductory texts that provide context and highlight political and artistic influences, followed by detailed discussions of individual photobooks. Accompanying these texts are images from over 200 essential photobooks, showcasing their artistic and cultural significance. Volume One also features Badger's insightful introduction, ‘The Photobook: Between the Film and the Novel,’ alongside a preface by Parr.

An unusual and hilarious collection of photographs not by but of Martin Parr. For several years now, when Parr has travelled on assignment he has wherever possible had his picture taken by a local studio photographer, or street photographer, or in a photo booth. The result is a wonderfully varied portfolio of portraits ranging from elaborate studio sets reminiscent of the heyday of the Victorian studio photographer, through to digitally manipulated images of Parr as Mr Universe. Includes 42 full-colour plates.

Martin Parr's photography spans 40 years of Ireland's transformation, capturing key events from the Pope's visit in 1979 to modern developments like gay weddings and tech startups in 2019. His work reflects the shift from traditional rural life to contemporary urban growth, with insights into societal changes and a new tourist boom post-Conflict.

In the last decade there has been a major reappraisal of the role and status of the photobook within the history of photography. This book focuses on key volumes published as early as 1900, as well as contemporary volumes by emerging Chinese photographers.

British photographer Martin Parr is known for creating fiction out of reality through his satirical images of the wealthy. His work, "Luxury," serves as a commentary on conspicuous consumption, showcasing candid moments from the international party circuit, including champagne lunches, horse races, and high-profile fairs in Moscow, Dubai, and Beijing. This series, consisting of 35 pieces created between 2003 and 2009, is part of the touring exhibition Parrworld. Parr adeptly documents the trends and social norms of the bourgeoisie—featuring diamond-encrusted jewelry, purebred puppies, racecars, and excess food and drink—while highlighting the cliche-laden tedium of wealth. His unique perspective likens him to a housefly, buzzing around the affluent, capturing their lives in a vivid, exaggerated manner. Critic Neal Brown describes this style as landing on the edges of plates and viewing the world as a grotesquely colorful feast. Exquisitely designed, this volume features a padded, gilt-foiled mock-leather cover, making it a fitting memento of a pre-bubble era. An introduction by renowned fashion designer Paul Smith, a fan of Parr, adds further insight into the work.

Signed copy by Martin ParrIt is a softcover with French folds in a protective sleeve. The text by Gerry Badger is in English and German. 36 pages of full-bleed color photos. . This is an exceptional photobook published on the occasion of the Expo in Hannover 1999. There were just 1000 produced.

Leading photographer Martin Parr has put together another wonderful book from his personal collection. This time he shows us the American Christmas Card. These are a fascinating eye opener into American culture, as proud families everywhere (pets included) pose before the camera to send their Christmas Greetings across the nation. Magnum photographer Martin Parr ’s work features in newspapers and magazines worldwide and has been exhibited in every continent. A dedicated collector of cards, his books Boring Postcards and Boring Postcards USA have been major publishing successes.

Following Martin Parr's celebrated Boring Postcards series, a new installment of his bizarre postcard collection. Domestic icons in a Catholic tradition, these cards were produced in the countries of Southern Europe during the 1970s, showing shamelessly idealized photographs of romantic lovers--frolicking in the hills, holding hands in the sunset, staring dreamily into each others eyes--and of perfect families--greeting Dad after work, in the kitchen baking a cake with Mom, singing together at the piano... A revealing social-historical document and very funny, for all fans of Martin Parr and connoisseurs of photographic kitsch.