Harold Plotkin (1911–1994)

Maine is always an appealing subject. An industrialist/poet is an intriguing prospect. Black and white photography is one of my favorite forms of artistic expression. This collection offers all those things, but sadly none of them work. I found the poetry clunky, uninspired and often formatted in ways that didn't do anything to illuminate the thoughts. (I'm not talking about rhyme schemes or cadences, but the physical placement of the words.) The book is nicely made, with heavy textured paper; but that does not lend itself to clear reproduction of the accompanying photos, which are muddy sometimes to the point of abstraction. One star for concept, unrealized though it is.… (meer)