Photolanguage

How Photos Reveal the Fascinating Stories of Our Lives and Relationships

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by Robert U. Akeret

W. W. Norton and Co.

Due/Published August 2000, 240 pages, cloth

ISBN 039304968X

With 150 photographs of famous people and ordinary folks, this engaging book uncovers the stories behind the pictures. There is more going on in most photographs than we usually see—hidden desires and fears, unspoken loves and hates, people's valiant efforts to camouflage themselves in the public world, and the inevitable leakage of their hopes and dreams and difficulties. Most of us do not see these aspects because, as Robert Akeret says, we do not know the vocabulary of photolanguage. Here, using 150 photographs spanning 100 years, Akeret explores such themes as power, seduction, immortality, passion, and narcissism. Readers will find Frank Sinatra uncharacteristically off balance, O. J. Simpson smirking his way to freedom, Jodie Foster adored by her mother, Bill Clinton unconvincingly wagging a finger, and Bill Gates as the Wizard of Oz. The author shares his personal interpretations, teaching by example and inviting readers to join the fun. 148 black-and-white photographs.

This gem of a book....will forever change how you look at photographs. (Elaine Mazlish, author of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk and Siblings Without Rivalry)

A joy to read....A remarkable book...for anyone fascinated by the faces we present in public... (Harold Guskin, acting coach and director)

The sort of book you could pick up and put down hundreds of times and never tire of. (Suzanne Falter-Barns, author of How Much Joy Can You Stand?)