Edge of Darkness by Barry Thornton

salan · Jul 9, 2012

I have had the misfortune of ending up in hospital and told to rest whilst they do tests.
I saw this book mentioned in a threadonthe LF forum and decided to get it just before being dragged into hospital by my wife.
I have just started to read it but already the phrase that comes to mind is WOW!!
Itmight not suit everybody ,but totally reccomend it. For me even the writing has 'punch' ( how many times haveyou flicked through a book and decided to get it as it had some good pictures in it only to find that was it! The rest wasnt worth the time?)
Has anyone else read it?
What did you think?
Alan ( who's fingers cover many keys on the touchscrenlol)
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Steve Smith · Jul 9, 2012

I often borrow it from the library. I will buy a copy one day.

Steve.

Muihlinn · Jul 9, 2012

I quite like it, althought it's rather a book which talks about technical stuff instead a technical book. Lots of useful information, but only for those who already have had done a way in photography so they can appreciate what's there, and why, even if they disagree with Thornton's point of view.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jul 9, 2012

Love it. Owned it for years and re-read it every few years. Barry Thornton had a huge affect on me after I discovered his books. I was seriously saddened when he died. 'Elements', though almost impossible to find, is good too.

Steve Smith · Jul 9, 2012

My favourite section is the bit where he shows that the paper position on the easel is not very critical at all, making indistinguishable prints from positions 1/2" above and below the nominal focused paper position. I point this out to obsessive types who think they need a sheet of paper under their grain focusers.

Steve.

salan · Jul 9, 2012

Yes i would love to get elements.
I will have to keep a eye out for it.
I have not finished deading it yet but whilst i do not totally agree with everything he says, i provoks thought and it is worth it for that alone. Alan

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Mahler_one · Jul 9, 2012

A book ( along with Elements )to be read and savored by those who are interested in the ART of black and white photography. I had corresponded a bit with Barry, and hoped to have visited him either in the USA ( he was thinking for a time of visiting America ), or in the UK. I agree: If you can find a copy, purchase Elements.

Ed

ath · Jul 9, 2012

One of my favourite books.

doughowk · Jul 9, 2012

A pdf version of "Elements" is available at www.awh-imaging.co.uk . But I'm still hoping to get a real copy.
The Edge of Darkness is an inspirational work written by a humanist/photographer. It was sad to hear of his passing for he truly was one of the good guys.

mikebarger · Jul 9, 2012

Doesn't look like a good link.

Richard S. (rich815) · Jul 9, 2012

doughowk said:
A pdf version of "Elements" is available at www.awh-imaging.co.uk . But I'm still hoping to get a real copy.
The Edge of Darkness is an inspirational work written by a humanist/photographer. It was sad to hear of his passing for he truly was one of the good guys.

Here's the link:

Dead Link Removed

EDIT: I wrongly assumed the poster before me meant "Elements of Transition" which was available as a download for some time. I did not know that "Elements" is not available too.

Mahler_one · Jul 9, 2012

I simply went to Abebooks, and guess what?

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=7798711504&searchurl=an=barry+thornton&tn=Elements

Multiple copies of Elements available in the UK. Obviously you will have to decide upon the price that you are willing to pay. However, it appears as though the price is "reasonable". Let us know what you decide to do, and best of luck.

Ed

doughowk · Jul 10, 2012

Elliot, found a copy of "Elements" via BookFinder. Its coming from France. Hopefully, it will survive the minimalist Amazon packaging requirements. Looking forward to reading a paper version.

mwdake · Jul 10, 2012

I love Edge of Darkness.
I re-read it at least once a year.

doughowk · Jul 16, 2012

Just received Thorton's "Elements", and its in very good condition. Though many of the papers he discusses are no longer available, there is a wealth of knowledge in his discussion for each image from its taking to its printing. For us monochrome printers, his two analogue books are a treasure.

Edge of Darkness by Barry Thornton

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