McCurry, Steve. Steve McCurry by Anthony Bannon. Phaidon, 2005, 2006.

2nd printing. Fine hardcover with very good dust jacket that has a bit of shelf wear and a small indentation on rear cover not affecting book. Steve McCurry (b. 1950) is best known for his evocative colour photography of Southeast Asia. He has captured stories of human experience which, in the finest documentary tradition, cross boundaries of language and culture. McCurry's career was launched in 1979 when he crossed the border from Pakistan into rebel-controlled Afghanistan just before the Russian invasion. A contributor to National Geographic for many years and a member of Magnum Photos since 1986, McCurry's images have become modern icons, including his "Afghan Girl, near Peshawar, Pakistan, 1984." Summary:

Published by Phaidon as part of their "55" series, this compact monograph by Anthony Bannon (the former director of George Eastman House) provides an essential overview of the career of Steve McCurry, one of the most celebrated photojournalists of the modern era.

Core Focus and Philosophy

Bannon’s summary centers on McCurry’s ability to bridge the gap between reportage and fine art. The book argues that McCurry’s work is defined by a "humanist" perspective, where the individual’s story is prioritized even amidst the chaos of war or natural disasters.

• The Colorist: The book highlights McCurry's mastery of color, specifically his ability to find vibrant, saturated hues in environments that are often bleak or monochromatic.

• The "Decisive Moment": Bannon explores how McCurry waits for the exact alignment of light, gesture, and expression to tell a story without the need for captions.

Key Themes

• South and Southeast Asia: Much of the book focuses on McCurry’s deep connection to India, Afghanistan, and Tibet. Bannon describes how McCurry captures the persistence of ancient traditions in the face of contemporary conflict.

• The Eyes of the Subject: A major theme is the "direct gaze." Bannon analyzes how McCurry establishes a bridge between the subject and the viewer, most famously exemplified by the Afghan Girl (Sharbat Gula), which is a centerpiece of the discussion.

• Conflict and Quietude: The monograph juxtaposes intense images of the Gulf War and the monsoon in India with quiet, meditative portraits of monks and laborers.

Structure and Presentation

As part of the Phaidon 55 series, the book follows a specific, user-friendly format:

• Introductory Essay: Bannon provides a concise biographical and critical essay that contextualizes McCurry’s work within the history of 20th-century photography.

• 55 Key Images: The heart of the book consists of 55 chronologically arranged photographs, each accompanied by a detailed commentary explaining the technical challenges and the narrative behind the shot.

Significance

Bannon’s work is praised for being both an accessible entry point for new fans and a thoughtful critique for serious students of photography. He successfully characterizes McCurry not just as a traveler with a camera, but as a sophisticated narrative artist who finds "universal truths" in the specific faces of the people he encounters.

"McCurry’s photography is a pursuit of the disappearing world... a search for the vanishing soul of a place." — Anthony Bannon