Book Review - William Eggleston's Guide - Roxie Fortune

William Egglestons Guide was first published in 1976 by the Museum of Modern Art in conjunction with the exhibition Photographs, these set of images are almost vernacular with an ordinary impression. Forty-eight images were selected from an essay of 375 pieces completed in 1971. They were the first set of colour film images that were shown at the Museum of Modern art. The images within this publication are digital scans using the same transparency as Eggleston’s original 35mm film.

The images document life with real people and repetitive idiosyncrasies. The book is almost documentation of the surroundings and domestic life in and around Memphis where Eggleston was born in 1939. The monograph is an excellent introduction to William Eggleston and his collection of images; it highlights domestic life and its repetitiveness, which makes these images extremely relatable to our native lives. In interview Eggleston was very dismissive of his images having anything other than documenting his childhood towns, no links to political views or opinions were ever made, but it’s clear from the images the American confederate link. It’s practically a comparison to our individual family albums. They have no real sequence, with no real pretext and answer no questions.  Just a snapshot of lives being lived in simplicity. A journey through the American confederate Northern Mississippi and Memphis towns in 1969-1971.

It is a clear representation of the confederate lifestyle with almost insignificant imagery. It wouldn’t truly be missed if the image hadn’t been captured, if you were to seek these scenes you would find the same view. This publication is pure and concise with images presented with a location title on a double page with images capturing life with real photography. 

I enjoyed this publication because of its documentation style; I hadn’t really come across William Eggleston’s imagery before but will definitely be researching his imagery more. I found it almost heart warming and family orientated, with just a glimpse into American social lifestyle.

Referencing:

The Museum Of Modern Art (1976). William Eggleston's Guide. 2nd ed. New York: Museum Of Modern Art. p1-p110.