For those who were (like me) not able to get a copy of the original publication of 720 (two times around) by Andrew Phelps there is now a newspaper catalogue of the series to accompany an exhibition in October.

Although the publication is like Phelps says ‘a long way from the original’, it provides a good overview of the pictures he made of a skateboard track some kids created in an abandoned office building. The pictures are great and are among my favourites.

Florian van Roekel shows his series How Terry likes his coffee about office life at C/O Berlin from May 5 until July 10, 2012. I haven’t seen the exhibition at C/O Berlin, but it is a great body of work. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue and a print in an edition of 25 (30 by 45 cm).

There is also a second edition of the book How Terry Likes His Coffee available through the website of Florian van Roekel. The first edition was beautifully printed by Mart Spruijt and I assume the second edition will be of the same quality.

Jörg Colberg focuses on an overlooked aspect of the photobook, discussing the role of design in the making of five modern classics.

I am not sure to what extend it is an overlooked aspect of the photobook. Currently there might even be too much attention to the design aspects of photobooks. It seems that ‘the medium is the message’ to quote McLuhan. But I must say that photobooks are a category of books that seem to survive pretty well in the age of the iPad, e-readers, smartphones and other reading devices.

Broken Manual is my favourite in the list of well designed books. The look and feel of a syllabus but the pictures are printed beautifully with its mixture of sizes, colour and black and white and especially the different kinds of finish. It is a shame that this book is not yet general available in a regular edition.

On his website Christian Patterson shared notes he made while working on his project Redheaded Peckerwood.

Joerg Colberg:

Christian Patterson’s Redheaded Peckerwood (also see the publisher’s website and my review) made it onto so many “best of 2011” lists that it was by far the most popular book last year. A body of amazing depth and sophistication, it is a shining example of what the contemporary photobook can do. There now is a second edition, and I used the occasion to talk with Christian about the book.

Harvey Benge:

After reading a piece, “The 10 Most Harmful Novels for Aspiring Writers.” Bryan Formhals, founder and managing editor of LPV Magazine  wondered whether there could be a list for photographers as well.  Bryan thought about it and then sent his list to blogger Blake Andrews to see if he wanted to contribute and have some fun. It seems some people in the photoworld have neither a sense of irony or humor and have taken exception to the piece. Yes, the list is funny but it also contains an element of truth.

After seeing Second Nature by Guy Tillim last weekend I think he can also claim the title of ‘ultimate Nothing photographer’.

There will be a second edition of the acclaimed book How Terry Likes His Coffee by Florian van Roekel. The book is available for pre-order on his website. The second edition is 1000 numbered copies. The first edition was 500 numbered copies and became a highly sought-after item. It is highly recommended although for me it was also a bit confronting as I spend a lot of time in similar office spaces.

With Nelore 4478zine (Erik van der Weijde) has published its 25th publication. About the publication:

Nelore beef cattle was originally brought to Brazil from India. The Nelore has a distinct large hump over the top of the shoulder and neck. They have long legs which help them to walk in water and when grazing. The Nelore can adapt to all except very cold climates. Brazil is the largest breeder of Nelore.

There is also a special edition with a felt handmade Nelore doll made in collaboration with the artist’s mother-in-law.

In response to the publication of The Dutch Photobook, the Dutch photo blog PhotoQ asks authorities like Willem van Zoetendaal, K. de Bree (Bint photoBooks on INTernet), Lodewijk van Paddenburgh, Yannick Bouillis, Dirk Bakker and others about their favourite Dutch photo books that are not listed. The 124 books selected for the publication are also listed. The blog is in Dutch. 

Harper’s Books posted this on Facebook with the following caption:

Ed Ruscha’s Dutch Details in a plexi box.

If you think keeping books shrinkwrapped is crazy…