The Best of Doisneau: Paris

Book excerpt: The legendary photographer’s quintessential portraits of Paris—including several previously unpublished works—in an affordable new paperback. Robert Doisneau’s ability to infuse images of daily life with poetic nuance has given enduring popular appeal to his work. In this new volume, he leads us on an entrancing tour into Parisian gardens, along the Seine, and through crowds of Parisians. Workers, beggars, lovers, jugglers, children, dancers—Doisneau’s lens captures all, in myriad lights and moods. Sometimes humorous, often ironic, and unfailingly tender, his oeuvre is iconic and reflects the Paris of our dreams. Composed, structured images are featured alongside impromptu snapshots of Parisian life, demonstrating the range of Doisneau’s talent as both artist and photojournalist.