Customer Reviews

Entrez: Signs of France

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was disappointed with the book. I was expecting the book to have pictures of many beautiful wrought iron signs that are common in France. However, it only had one. Most of the pictures are plain text signs.

This book brought me back to the streets of the France I know. It is a perfect book to give as a present, the photos are excellent, the text is discrete and often brings a smile... the whole book is a delightful walk throughh the streets of France and a gentle and fun exploration of French life.

The images are fine, but the text is the equivalent of hearing one of those obnoxious, ignorant and loud tourists babble endlessly about their bigoted views. Being a lover of France and having lived there for over 30 years I got this as a gift. It was only when I started to read the text that I started to think "hey, wait a second... what the hell?" Thankfully, not even insultingly dumb text can scratch the belle france. As the locals would say, "merde!"

This book offers us a walk through French streets, we are shown the signs on the streets, the shops, the doors. The photos are beautiful and the text adds meaning to our discoveries without ever taking too much place. I have lived in France and this book brought it all back.

This book begins with a marvelous gimmick--the cover opens like the shutters of a window--but the contents far transcend this appealing trick. Rothfeld's photographs capture the beauty and sadness of old signs; they also reveal the pleasure of a well-composed artwork. Equally impressive, Aciman's text is lyrical and effective. It does a terrific job of not simply describing the photographs but instead giving a quick, sharp insight that makes you look at the photo in a new way. This is a truly rewarding book.

France's signs are unique and here are captured in a beautiful photo display with a double gatefold cover and a series of visual treasures. Entrez: Signs of France promises to reach not only those with a special affection for France, but any art student interested in signage. A gorgeous display.