Cars in the landscape - Benjamin Hargreaves

Cars in the Landscape is a celebration of the beauty of cars with an underlying theme of reclaiming the motor car for beauty, amusement, idiosyncrasy, whim and joy - for a view other than just utility and efficiency. The book contains 38 photographs, at times with both whimsy and deeper thought, intended for contemplation and the pleasure of looking. There are also layers of association and suggestion. An introductory essay considers how much more the motor car is than its mere material self - as a driving force in twentieth century western development, as a work of art, as a joy to drive, as a symbol, as an enabler and even in relation to spiritual understanding. The cars are above all in use, or have been, because they are more meaningful and interesting than in studio conditions or in museums. This book is in part a plea to slow down and pay more attention to our surroundings, a natural role for photography to play. These photographs are primarily a paean of praise, sometimes with wit, for the beauty of the motor car in the landscape. Cars in the Landscape is for both those who love cars and those who appreciate beautiful photographs. You may just want to buy an old car and start travelling around Europe.