This week, Jeff Popple reviews three enjoyable Australian coffee table books for Christmas. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Imagining a Real Australia by Stephen Zagala
NewSouth, $59.99
Stephen Zagala’s strikingly designed Imagining a Real Australia provides valuable insight into Australia’s past and the growth in documentary photography. Documentary photography boomed during the period from the early 1950s to 1970s, as a new crop of photographers championed photos that were designed to make people question the world around them. The arrival of instamatic colour film, polaroid cameras and television all pushed photography in a new direction as photographers tried to capture real people living real lives. The photos in Zagala’s book brilliantly capture the period and the sense of change that was occurring at the time. Highly recommended.
Favourite Australian Plants by Angus Stewart
Allen & Unwin, $34.99
Christmas is a good time to plan change in the garden, especially for those who want to make the most of water-saving native plants. Angus Stewart’s Favourite Australian Plants is a great guide to the best native plants for every part of Australia, and all soil types. From old favourites, such as grevilleas and bottle brushes, to new exciting varieties and lesser-known species, this book is full of good options for your garden. Each plant has a colour photo and details around growing requirements and, importantly, whether it attracts native birds and insects. A must for the gardener in your family.
Melbourne Ghost Signs by Sean Reynolds
Scribe, $59.99
Sean Reynolds’ stunning Melbourne Ghost Signs is a fascinating tribute to the often forgotten and hidden history of Melbourne. Inspired by his daily city walks during lockdown with his daughter, Sean has captured the myriad of faded signs and half-hidden logos that are still visible around Melbourne. From ads for Uncle Tobys and signs for long-gone businesses to rusted metal street signs from the 1940s announcing the thoroughfare as a ‘War Savings Street’. Each photo is striking and is accompanied by an interesting story as to the history of the sign. A fantastic book to dip into over the Christmas break.
