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TESTIMONIALS
From Our Collectors:
"I knew the books/portfolios would be nice; however, exquisite is a better term. I don't ever look at all the images in a book at once. I only taste a couple at a time, like a fine wine. The Yamamoto nude is so simple and so beautiful. That's really enough for one day. It will take me a few weeks to look through the book. I've viewed two of the Uelsmann images and they, too, are a delight. Somehow the term "pure" seems to apply to the printing. I'm pleased in case you can't tell. Its a privilege and a gift to be in a position to be able to partake of art in this fashion. One I am thankful for. Please keep me posted as new work appears. I have always felt a high quality book has a far better dollar/enjoyment ratio than prints. These books confirm my belief."
"Some weeks ago I acquired your first Yamamoto Masao Prism book and I have to say it’s a wonderful experience to look at such a nicely crafted piece of art. After having seen the quality of the platinum print ‘Owl,’ I decided to order also the ‘Nude’ and ‘Mountain.’"
"Hello Steve Albahari... It's Thursday afternoon on the 17th. I just received the new, magnificent, book Huangshan: Poems of the T'ang Dynasty... All I can say is you outdid yourself. With every issue you come out with, it just seems to get better and better. Congratulations. Superb production. Something that you should be very proud of. We are going to enjoy it for years to come. Thank you very much..."
"I just received the Kenna book today. Where do I start. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Stunning. Gorgeous!! I immediately grabbed a new pair of lint-free gloves to inspect it! Though I haven't had a chance to read it in detail yet, I have s-l-o-w-l-y paged through it. The images are heart-stoppingly beautiful! The tonal range is stupendous! The choice of this tone of Crane paper is perfect and goes so incredibly well with both the images and the fantastic(!) clam-shell box....What in the heck would the art world have done without your vision for this venture! You and your staff, the photographic artists, and the artisans with whom you work in partnership are leaving an incredible artistic legacy. Few in this world can say that."
"Sorry I was not able to get back to you sooner on the Witkin Journal... IT IS ABSOLUTELY EXQUISITE! It is indeed a very handsome presentation, I love the textured material that was used for the box and spine with just the simple signature. I would describe the whole tome as "BEYOND ELEGANT!" I have only read part of the journal and it is very insightful. I would have liked to see a few more plates because the journal part greatly enhances one's response to the images... Congratulations, it truly is a piece of ART in its own right."
"21st Editions have surpassed even themselves! Your magnificent new production arrived as I was walking out of the door on Tuesday evening. I had a brief chance to look through it before all the lights went out for the night! Another satisfied, international, customer. YEA!!"
"The Duino Elegies arrived safely today, thank you. It is truly magnificent, with such exquisite writing to accompany the gorgeous photographs. I have so much enjoyed sitting and looking through the publication this evening. It is such a good time of year to receive something like this, as the distractions of summer have far receded. Winter is the time for books, and they do not come any better than these. I can hardly believe that very shortly there will be another one to keep such good company. I will let you know as soon as The Shining Path arrives, and then Christmas will be complete. Please convey my thanks and appreciation..."
"I was right. I suspected I would be mesmerized by the artistry of the imagery and the craftsmanship of the publishing. Indeed! Wow! You might very well be the best publisher of fine 'fine art' photography in this day and age. Extraordinary! There's always room for excellence; isn't there?"
"The Sonnets of Shakespeare is GORGEOUS! It will be very nice amidst my Flor Garduno prints (including a Platinum Print of Eterna Vestida). Thank you thank you thank you thank you."
"Je vous remercie, le livre est bien arrivé, il est magnifique. Bien sincèrement à vous"
"Let me summarize by saying 'Wow!' Everything about it oozed quality, attention to detail and reverence for the work being presented. The images were wonderfully printed, the book beautifully bound, and the letterpress was exquisite. I'm not sure I have enough sophistication to own such a fine piece of work. Ordinary superlatives do not suffice to describe the unbelievable elegance of this way of presenting photography."
"The books arrived Friday morning.........WOW! is an understatement. Songs of Innocence and Experience, Flesh and Sprit, and the journal Strange Genius are beautiful publications that attracted me instantly. I am impressed by the marriage of art and architecture that 21st Editions displays. The quality of your publishing is top notch, and I commend you. Years ago when I began my career as a designer and photographer, one of my goals was to raise visual consciousness. When I recognize this same concern in others, I feel a kinship with them. I am pleased that we accomplished our trade, and thank you again for sending the books. I am glad to have them."
From Our Artists & Contributors:
"The book is phenomenal. It's a true work of art. I am so very happy. 21st Editions is an amazing publisher. Wendy almost cried as we were looking through it. I want to thank you, John, Crissy, Pam, Ted and everyone else (paper makers, binder) SO MUCH. What an honor it is to have my work presented like this by you." -Mitch Dobrowner
"The book is simply amazing—every detail, from selection of images, the writing, layout, design and typography...We are honored and grateful for your dedication to this project." -Wendy Vanguard-Dobrowner, Graphic Designer (referring to Mitch Dobrowner)
"Having a book of my work made by 21st Editions is quite an honor. They represent the paragon of excellence…the gold standard when it comes to making fine art photography books. Every photographer in the world wants their work treated with dignity and respect and every one of them wants 21st Editions to produce a volume of their work. I consider myself to be quite fortunate." -Jack Spencer
"Fine art requires that nothing be done merely for expedience, but that all efforts make sense in the experience of the work. Obviously, 21st believes this also. From the start, working with 21st has been nothing less than a partnership because we share an aesthetic, a commitment to our respective arts, and a firm belief in the dignity of made objects. From the moment John read me his poems for my images and Steve showed me his ideas for the book I knew we were all seeing the same world with a shared vision. In that sense, working with 21st has been like working with a group of artists, another affirmation why we struggle to make art we want to share." -Charles Grogg
"The prints arrived about an hour ago! There are simply no words for the beauty of this production!!!! I feel SO extremely blessed to have been a part of its realization and to be holding a copy in my hands. My deepest deepest thanks!!! And CONGRATULATIONS on the Lucie Award! I knew when I saw the book on my visit that it was not only a gorgeous addition to the 21st collection but an IMPORTANT work!" -Steven Brown (Moth and Bonelight)
"The books are great. Everything about them reflects deep decision making and high craftsmanship. I am proud to be a part of it. You have high standards in what you do and these books are a wonderful reflection of it. Thank you so much for choosing my work. I will cherish these special books for the rest of my life." -Misha Gordin (Crowd and Shadows of the Dream)
"John passed on your email so that I could write to express my deep, deep appreciation for the beauty and grace of the book you've made. It is just the most extraordinary work of art. It was nearly painful for me to let it go again...the book you've created, that has my poem in it, certainly deserves to last as long as such things will. I feel so honored, so grateful, and just so damned happy, to be a part of it. Thank you!"
"I have the book now and it is beautiful. Seeing it in its box and proper binding has made a world of difference and I am thrilled, as you predicted, with the way it looks and is put together. I think that you do wonderful work putting together these exquisite books—the craftsmanship is impeccable. Thank you so much again. I wish you a very happy New Year."