Re: Emulsion Book

Judy Seigel (jseigel@panix.com)
Sun, 24 Nov 1996 00:55:31 -0500 (EST)

On Sun, 24 Nov 1996, MARTIN REED wrote:
> Anyway, if it
> makes it to a second edition it will certainly have a heavier face. Magnifying
> glass users apart, thanks for your support of the tome.
>

Thanks, Martin, for taking my (hoped to be constructive) complaint so
cheerfully. You should also be gratified at the loyalty of your
countrymen, who leapt to the barricades, or down my throat, for daring any
criticism at all -- well, honesty compels me to admit the criticism was
rather hyperbolically stated. That is my nature, of course, but also an
expression of my frustration at difficulty reading what was so enticing. I
was surprised at the vigor of the denial, but clearly we were not in the
precinct of logic.

Anyway, let me repeat here what I said at the outset (before the matter
got ratcheted into international crisis): The Silver Gelatine Emulsion
book belongs in every alt-photo library; it is an instant classic. If
every word were in invisible ink, the pictures alone would be an
inspiration.

Incidentally, I, too, had a problem with a book's type coming out lighter
than expected or planned. I was trying to avoid the too-heavy type of
another, similar book. Well, to look on the bright side, once you reach
perfection, there's no place to go but down.

Meanwhile, congratulations on a major achievement. I admit that I am
curious about how you came to this medium. Maybe it says in the book
itself (at the moment I've lent mine to my assistant, who doesn't wear any
eyeglasses at all -- yet), but I think others on the list besides myself
would be interested in a detail or two if you care to divulge .....

Cheers,

Judy