What do you think?
Lesen: Eine Leidenschaft ohne Grenzen
Die Magie des Lesens – eingefangen in den Bildern des gefeierten Magnum-Fotografen
Ein kurzer Moment der Ruhe inmitten des Chaos: Versunkenheit, Konzentration. Wenn Menschen lesen, verschwindet die Realität für kurze Zeit. In solchen magischen Augenblicken drückt Steve McCurry auf den Auslöser. Der weitgereiste Magnum-Fotograf hat die unterschiedlichsten Leser fotografiert: Kinder und Alte, Frauen und Männer, mit der Zeitung, dem Schulbuch oder einem Roman.
Von Rom bis Kyoto, Marrakesch bis Los Angeles – überall auf der Welt lesen Menschen – lautet die schlichte wie überaus erfreuliche Nachricht. Bei diesem farbenfrohen Rundumschlag quer durch alle Kontinente überrascht und begeistert immer wieder McCurrys besonderer Blick für Details und Stimmungen, die anderen verborgen bleiben. Dieser Blick macht den seit 30 Jahren durch die Welt reisenden McCurry zu einem der renommiertesten lebenden Fotografen. Mit einer Einführung des berühmten Gegenwartsautors Paul Theroux.
Ein kurzer Moment der Ruhe inmitten des Chaos: Versunkenheit, Konzentration. Wenn Menschen lesen, verschwindet die Realität für kurze Zeit. In solchen magischen Augenblicken drückt Steve McCurry auf den Auslöser. Der weitgereiste Magnum-Fotograf hat die unterschiedlichsten Leser fotografiert: Kinder und Alte, Frauen und Männer, mit der Zeitung, dem Schulbuch oder einem Roman.
Von Rom bis Kyoto, Marrakesch bis Los Angeles – überall auf der Welt lesen Menschen – lautet die schlichte wie überaus erfreuliche Nachricht. Bei diesem farbenfrohen Rundumschlag quer durch alle Kontinente überrascht und begeistert immer wieder McCurrys besonderer Blick für Details und Stimmungen, die anderen verborgen bleiben. Dieser Blick macht den seit 30 Jahren durch die Welt reisenden McCurry zu einem der renommiertesten lebenden Fotografen. Mit einer Einführung des berühmten Gegenwartsautors Paul Theroux.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2016
About the author
Steve McCurry
75 books110 followersSteve McCurry is an American photographer, freelancer, and photojournalist. His photo Afghan Girl, of a girl with piercing green eyes, has appeared on the cover of National Geographic several times. McCurry has photographed many assignments for National Geographic and has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1986.
McCurry is the recipient of numerous awards, including Magazine Photographer of the Year, awarded by the National Press Photographers Association; the Royal Photographic Society's Centenary Medal; and two first-place prizes in the World Press Photo contest (1985 and 1992).
McCurry is the recipient of numerous awards, including Magazine Photographer of the Year, awarded by the National Press Photographers Association; the Royal Photographic Society's Centenary Medal; and two first-place prizes in the World Press Photo contest (1985 and 1992).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 28, 2024
There is always something luminous in the face of a person in the act of reading.
(Paul Theroux, from the introduction)
When I started browsing through this book with photographs from people caught in the act of reading at the local library, it struck me as a marvellous counterpart in colour of the gorgeous black and white photographs of readers from the Hungarian photographer André Kertész, collected in his book On Reading(1971) which a friend brought to my attention some years ago. Reading on, it made me smile that Steve McCurry qualifies his own collection as his homage to André Kertész - “his talent, his influence, and his genius”.
Picturing people over the world absorbed in books, comics, newspapers, study material, Steve McCurry evokes what humankind unites by showing what readers have in common, hooked they all are to the magic spell of the written or printed word, regardless of age, culture or place.
The introduction by Paul Theroux failed to warm me. Looking at other readers reading however enabled this devoted reader to thankfully forget about these cold and rainy April days for a moment. Even if photography in colour usually speaks less to me than photography in black and white, many of these photographs impressed me with their magnificent composition, their luminosity and opulent, intense colour palette, having a painterly quality.
The photographs reminded me of a picture of a man sitting in front of a temple reading the newspaper, that I am keeping in a box with pictures of long bygone days, taken in Kathmandu (or Bhaktapur, or Patan? I don’t remember anymore) by my first spouse who dreamt about working as a photographer himself and to whom Steve McCurry’s photographic portrait Afghan Girl from 1984 was a beacon of inspiration, although he mostly chose to shoot photographs in black and white.
(Koen Bulckaert, December 1994)
(*** ½)
(Paul Theroux, from the introduction)
When I started browsing through this book with photographs from people caught in the act of reading at the local library, it struck me as a marvellous counterpart in colour of the gorgeous black and white photographs of readers from the Hungarian photographer André Kertész, collected in his book On Reading(1971) which a friend brought to my attention some years ago. Reading on, it made me smile that Steve McCurry qualifies his own collection as his homage to André Kertész - “his talent, his influence, and his genius”.
Picturing people over the world absorbed in books, comics, newspapers, study material, Steve McCurry evokes what humankind unites by showing what readers have in common, hooked they all are to the magic spell of the written or printed word, regardless of age, culture or place.
The introduction by Paul Theroux failed to warm me. Looking at other readers reading however enabled this devoted reader to thankfully forget about these cold and rainy April days for a moment. Even if photography in colour usually speaks less to me than photography in black and white, many of these photographs impressed me with their magnificent composition, their luminosity and opulent, intense colour palette, having a painterly quality.
The photographs reminded me of a picture of a man sitting in front of a temple reading the newspaper, that I am keeping in a box with pictures of long bygone days, taken in Kathmandu (or Bhaktapur, or Patan? I don’t remember anymore) by my first spouse who dreamt about working as a photographer himself and to whom Steve McCurry’s photographic portrait Afghan Girl from 1984 was a beacon of inspiration, although he mostly chose to shoot photographs in black and white.
(Koen Bulckaert, December 1994)
(*** ½)
Want to Read
January 22, 2017
Here more: http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/2017...
November 18, 2019
(Roma, Italia)
Questa raccolta contiene una sessantina di foto del grande Steve McCurry, a tema "lettura". L'ho acquistata dopo aver visitato la mostra omonima alle Gallerie Estensi di Modena (fino al 6 gennaio 2020). Non è il catalogo: infatti contiene non tutte e non solo le foto in mostra. Non posso ripercorrere dunque tutte le immagini esposte, ma ne posso "leggere" anche altre. E sono tutte storie interessanti, a volte incredibili o provocatorie, eppure reali, raccontate con il linguaggio delle immagini da uno "Scrittore" sensibile ed equilibrato. E tutti i suoi "racconti" sono capaci di stupire. Le foto in mostra erano accompagnate da frasi sintetiche ma profonde di famosi scrittori, sulla lettura, e che hanno accompagnato e completato il coinvolgimento. Non erano didascalie: le immagini di Steve non hanno bisogno di spiegazioni. E senza didascalie sono infatti anche quelle di questo testo tematico (unica pecca, a mio avviso, la mancanza delle date). Rimangono comunque, sia il libro che la esposizione di Modena, tra le raccolte di Steve McCurry più coinvolgenti che io abbia visto.
P. S. Nel bookshop della mostra non ho trovato il catalogo (dubito che esista) né questo testo (2016), di cui ho trovato una copia (usata) su internet.
February 24, 2017
I enjoy "coffee table" books, you know, those enormous books with gorgeous, glossy photos or illustrations that bring self-awareness, be it through shock, inspiration, comfort, recognition, or any other jolt. But, in the end, I need words. The pictures must have stories for me to be strongly affected. Then I can look and relook and still want to look again at the images.
Theroux's foreword is what bumped this book from three to four stars. I related to his experiences, to his thoughts on books, all shared in a conversational, breezy, likeable tone. Deep meaning flowed as a current beneath, despite that tone.
A star off for all his "heavy hitter" literary name dropping (mostly authors I dislike and find undeservedly glorified in highbrow culture). Still, I didn't dislike him, since he did recognize the misaligned genres (such as romance) as "wayward masterpieces." And his introduction blended brilliantly into the pictures themselves, providing that element of "story."
This would make a beautiful, thoughtful special-occasion present. I read a library copy (wonderful, critical things, libraries); it's too pricey to buy just in my regular book buying escapades.
Theroux's foreword is what bumped this book from three to four stars. I related to his experiences, to his thoughts on books, all shared in a conversational, breezy, likeable tone. Deep meaning flowed as a current beneath, despite that tone.
A star off for all his "heavy hitter" literary name dropping (mostly authors I dislike and find undeservedly glorified in highbrow culture). Still, I didn't dislike him, since he did recognize the misaligned genres (such as romance) as "wayward masterpieces." And his introduction blended brilliantly into the pictures themselves, providing that element of "story."
This would make a beautiful, thoughtful special-occasion present. I read a library copy (wonderful, critical things, libraries); it's too pricey to buy just in my regular book buying escapades.
August 29, 2018
Het lezen zoals het is. Prachtig, hoe de houding van een Afghaanse handtassenverkoper tijdens het lezen precies dezelfde is als die van de Chinese wachtende man met krant. Het (lezende) lichaam spreekt een universele taal.
January 7, 2018
This is a gorgeous coffee table book for any bibliophile! Love these photos of people from all over the world reading.
January 9, 2020
This book was a gift from my work at a public library on my retirement. It is a gorgeous book! The pictures are thought-provoking, sad, joyful, and mind-bending of people and books around the world.
February 5, 2017
Ich habe es auf deutsch gelesen. Es war ein sehr schönes Buch über das Lesen und die Menschen, die lesen.
April 10, 2018
A simple idea, brilliantly executed. If I hadn't made the mistake of reading Paul Theroux's pompous, poisonous forward, I'd have given this 5 stars.
January 31, 2019
This is a glorious book of photos featuring people reading: newspapers, books, pamphlets, comics, other printed matter and possibly hand-written matter in some photos. Simply wonderful to browse through: the photos are magnificent, and every single one is worth lingering over. I really enjoyed Steve McCurry's dedication to legendary photographer Andre Kertesz, where McCurry mentioned some of Kertesz's most intriguing photos were those of people reading (seen in Kertesz's book 'On Reading'). So this book is an homage to that book. I also thoroughly enjoyed Paul Theroux's foreword. This is truly a love letter to reading, and to the people who lose themselves in the pages of whatever they're reading.
February 13, 2026
I’m not sure why, but I think this is the least effective of his projects (that I’ve seen at least). Ultimately, I think I go back and forth on McCurry: sometimes, theres a gimmick he relies on, other times I think he’s outstanding. My overall feeling right now is that every photo he presents is a very correct photo, and almost all of them capture special moments—theres no question about his eye. But in this book in particular, there’s a snapshot feel because nothing is at stake: there’s less investment, more surface. He’s looking for interesting subjects, in interesting places, well composed. Is that a sin? Hell no. I don’t know why; it just comes off flat here. But what do I know
August 11, 2019
Perfect boek voor het slapen gaan met foto's van mensen over de hele wereld die lezen (ook de krant, dat vond ik een beetje jammer. Die met boeken er op vond ik toch het mooist!)
Bekijk één foto en fantaseer over wat ze lezen, wie ze zijn en waarom. Een recept om lekker in slaap te vallen :)
De inleiding over lezen was ook mooi!
Bekijk één foto en fantaseer over wat ze lezen, wie ze zijn en waarom. Een recept om lekker in slaap te vallen :)
De inleiding over lezen was ook mooi!
March 8, 2024
Pictures from all over the world of people reading; really made a connection with this book - as I suspect anyone on this site would make - how reading connects people - almost a bridge that allows us to cross over into another culture and learn more about our collective humanity. I think this book will appeal to all my GR friends.
January 3, 2018
Touching, inspiring and delightful. A true treasure for books and photography lovers.
January 4, 2018
I really enjoyed the peace that emanated from these images.
June 10, 2018
How can I not love this, loving both reading and photography?
March 27, 2019
Love these pictures :3
August 21, 2019
Benzer nitelikteki Imre Kertesz kitabını tercih edebilirim.
February 16, 2020
Some beautiful pictures among them - but nothing beats the one on the cover.
The introduction is a personal ramble by Paul Theroux and not at all connected to the book.
The introduction is a personal ramble by Paul Theroux and not at all connected to the book.
April 8, 2021
Foto bellissime di gente che legge (che, strano a dirsi, sono spesso anche foto di piedi)
March 20, 2023
This "book" is not one you necessarily "read." There aren't a lot of words ... but the pictures say enough for themselves: reading is powerful. Five stars; I love every shot.
September 16, 2024
Beautiful book. The photo from Bentota was so interesting. A wonderful reminder of how human everyone is.
September 26, 2024
Would be a good coffee-table book. Steve McCurry is an extremely talented photographer; it was a lot of fun studying his images.
July 22, 2025
Great photos, as expected, from McCcury of people around the world reading. No action, drama or wars and it was still compelling.
December 25, 2025
it’s crazy how he does it
April 22, 2019
A wonderful present!
Un regalo bellissimo!
Un regalo bellissimo!
February 19, 2017
Der Bildband „Steve McCurry – Lesen: Eine Leidenschaft ohne Grenzen“ von Paul Theroux (Autor) und Steve McCurry (Fotograf) ist 2016 im Prestel Verlag erschienen.
Zum Inhalt: Für den renommierten und mit Preisen überhäuften Fotografen Steve McCurry zählen Fotografien von lesenden Menschen zu sehr eindringlichen Bildern. Was liegt also näher, überall auf der Welt die unterschiedlichsten Leser zu fotografieren – Kinder und Alte, Frauen und Männer, mit Zeitung, Schulbuch oder Roman.
Der berühmte Gegenwartsautor Paul Theroux schrieb dazu eine Einführung.
Hier halte ich ein sehr hochwertiges Buch in den Händen, das mit einem festen Einband daher kommt und schon mit dem Titelbild Lust auf mehr macht.
Bevor ich mich jedoch auf die Fotografien stürze, lese ich die schönen Worte von Paul Theroux:
„Lesen ist eine ernste Angelegenheit, doch einsam oder gelangweilt sind Leser selten, denn Lesen ist eine Zuflucht und eine Erleuchtung, eine Erfahrung, die zuweilen offen zutage tritt. Mir kommt es immer so vor, als ginge vom Gesicht eines lesenden Menschen etwas Strahlendes aus.“
Und dann schreibt Theroux, was die Fotografien von McCurry für ihn ausdrücken (und ich denke, dass er mit diesen Worten vielen Menschen aus der Seele spricht, die sich diesen Bildband anschauen):
„… die Selbstvergessenheit des Lesers, der leuchtende Blick, die Vorstellung von Abgeschiedenheit, die entspannte Körperhaltung, die besondere Art von Leistung, der Entdeckungsdrang – und einen Eindruck purer Freude.“
Die Fotos sind auf hochglänzendem Papier gedruckt und nehmen jeweils eine Seite ein. Außer dem Ort, an dem das Bild entstanden ist, gibt es keine weiteren Angaben. Ich mag das – habe ich doch so die Möglichkeit, meine ganz eigene Interpretation zu den Fotografien zuzulassen.
Und ich finde ganz wundervolle Fotos: da sind welche, die bewegen – andere, die mich zum schmunzeln bringen oder auch zum Nachdenken – bewegende Fotos oder solche, die man einfach genießt.
Ich als bekennende Leserin weiß von diesem Augenblick, wenn die Realität um mich herum für einen Augenblick verschwindet. Und genau diesen Augenblick fängt McCurry mit seinen Bildern auf wundersame Weise ein.
Ein wundervoller Bildband, den ich eigentlich jedem sehr ans Herz legen kann.
Zum Inhalt: Für den renommierten und mit Preisen überhäuften Fotografen Steve McCurry zählen Fotografien von lesenden Menschen zu sehr eindringlichen Bildern. Was liegt also näher, überall auf der Welt die unterschiedlichsten Leser zu fotografieren – Kinder und Alte, Frauen und Männer, mit Zeitung, Schulbuch oder Roman.
Der berühmte Gegenwartsautor Paul Theroux schrieb dazu eine Einführung.
Hier halte ich ein sehr hochwertiges Buch in den Händen, das mit einem festen Einband daher kommt und schon mit dem Titelbild Lust auf mehr macht.
Bevor ich mich jedoch auf die Fotografien stürze, lese ich die schönen Worte von Paul Theroux:
„Lesen ist eine ernste Angelegenheit, doch einsam oder gelangweilt sind Leser selten, denn Lesen ist eine Zuflucht und eine Erleuchtung, eine Erfahrung, die zuweilen offen zutage tritt. Mir kommt es immer so vor, als ginge vom Gesicht eines lesenden Menschen etwas Strahlendes aus.“
Und dann schreibt Theroux, was die Fotografien von McCurry für ihn ausdrücken (und ich denke, dass er mit diesen Worten vielen Menschen aus der Seele spricht, die sich diesen Bildband anschauen):
„… die Selbstvergessenheit des Lesers, der leuchtende Blick, die Vorstellung von Abgeschiedenheit, die entspannte Körperhaltung, die besondere Art von Leistung, der Entdeckungsdrang – und einen Eindruck purer Freude.“
Die Fotos sind auf hochglänzendem Papier gedruckt und nehmen jeweils eine Seite ein. Außer dem Ort, an dem das Bild entstanden ist, gibt es keine weiteren Angaben. Ich mag das – habe ich doch so die Möglichkeit, meine ganz eigene Interpretation zu den Fotografien zuzulassen.
Und ich finde ganz wundervolle Fotos: da sind welche, die bewegen – andere, die mich zum schmunzeln bringen oder auch zum Nachdenken – bewegende Fotos oder solche, die man einfach genießt.
Ich als bekennende Leserin weiß von diesem Augenblick, wenn die Realität um mich herum für einen Augenblick verschwindet. Und genau diesen Augenblick fängt McCurry mit seinen Bildern auf wundersame Weise ein.
Ein wundervoller Bildband, den ich eigentlich jedem sehr ans Herz legen kann.
April 6, 2019
Oh, That Steve McCurry. The brilliant photographer. This is a collection of amazing photographs and a peak into our common humanity. Love the elephant's casual pose and his keepers absorption. What a cover shot! But they are all just that good. The few pages of reflections at the beginning are also quite meaningful. I am still smiling after reading this hours ago. Art as a solid antidote to a cynical world view. :)
Quietly Enlightening:
Rereading this family Day 2024 :) I had not previously realized what an influence the forward writer Paul Theroux was on Steve McCurry. They have worked together on other projects and Paul is the 'reader' in the Arkansas portrait in this book. Now that I have briefly walked with elephants and visited some of these mentioned diverse places, they mean even more to me the second time around. The act of reading as he has captured the task has a universal quality to it. A humble humanity and thoughtfulness so unlike the usual shocking news from around the world.
Hence my comment, Quietly enlightening.
Quietly Enlightening:
Rereading this family Day 2024 :) I had not previously realized what an influence the forward writer Paul Theroux was on Steve McCurry. They have worked together on other projects and Paul is the 'reader' in the Arkansas portrait in this book. Now that I have briefly walked with elephants and visited some of these mentioned diverse places, they mean even more to me the second time around. The act of reading as he has captured the task has a universal quality to it. A humble humanity and thoughtfulness so unlike the usual shocking news from around the world.
Hence my comment, Quietly enlightening.
December 30, 2016
Stunning, intimate photography combined with a masterful introduction by Paul Theroux. Steve McCurry's "On Reading" warrants multiple viewings of the photos contained therein.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews