Diners: People and Places

by Gerd Kittel

The American diner was traditionally a miniature restaurant, originally a mobile one, providing solid, inexpensive food for the working man at virtually all hours of the day and night. From its humble origins in 1872, the diner reached its peak in the 1920s and 1930s and was particularly popular during the sad years of the Depression. In recent years, modest diners have been dying out, victims of the pervasive fast-food chains. Gerd Kittel, the distinguished German photographer, has scoured the American city and countryside for outstanding relics, and shows us not only a selection of architectural surprises and delights but also the interiors of these nostalgic eateries and the individuals who have become their faithful denizens. For this updated edition, Kittel returns to America and the diner, adding a selection of new photos to the collection.

80 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1990

Reviews

[Trey Piepmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I randomly picked this book up in a used bookstore in Charleston. I was surprised to find a book that was nearly entirely set in my new home of New England way down in my old home of Charleston.

There are some truly fantastic photographs here. Both the fact that they’re snapshots into the past with so many cigarette machines and just seeing such stunning colors and the moods Kittel captured. This makes me want to document things that still exist now while I can. And in such a timeless way (film).

The quality of the book is a little cheap, but the photos that shine, shine nonetheless. The subjects, styles of the photos, and locations are all surprisingly inconsistent for a collection of photos with such a singular theme. That all feels endearing in this case since I paid less for this book than I would have for a meal in a diner. It also makes me feel emboldened to create a collection of my own photos that I can attempt to make more consistent.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel that Kittel captures the unique in each diner visited. Interesting topic for me. Diners offer a different type of space than the outside world with their close quarters. There is something nuetral about the space, when one steps in they feel that they could be stepping back in time or ahead. The costumed characters are the only piece that provides a clue. Kittel provides his experience while leaving room for the viewer to lend their own.