Dewi Lewis Publishing has released a facsimile edition of "Love On The Left Bank" by renowned Dutch photographer Ed van der Elsken, bringing back to life one of the most influential photography books of the 20th century. Originally published in 1956, this classic work captures the vibrant cultural scene of Paris's Left Bank during a pivotal period when the neighborhood served as a creative hotbed for artists, writers, and intellectuals who would shape an entire generation's cultural agenda.
The book is celebrated for its unconventional, raw photographic approach that closely resembles snapshot photography, a technique that was widely praised for pushing the boundaries of documentary photography at the time. Van der Elsken's distinctive style broke new ground in the field, offering an intimate and unfiltered glimpse into the bohemian lifestyle of post-war Paris. His work particularly focused on the streets and cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, documenting the daily lives of the creative community that gathered there.
Ed van der Elsken, born in Amsterdam in 1925, is recognized as one of the great photographers of the 20th century. During his lifetime, he published more than twenty books, establishing himself as a prolific and influential figure in photography. In recent years, his work has been extensively exhibited around the world, cementing his legacy in the international art community. Van der Elsken passed away in 1990, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to inspire photographers and artists today.
A central figure in the book is Vali Myers, who appears under the pseudonym "Ann." Born in Sydney, Australia, in 1930, Myers was a dancer and artist who arrived in Paris in 1949. During the post-war years, she lived among the streets and cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where she continued to dance and create art. Her drawings are featured throughout the book, adding another artistic dimension to van der Elsken's photographic narrative. Myers later traveled extensively around the world and became an internationally renowned artist before her death in 2003.
The new facsimile edition maintains the original format and quality of the 1956 publication. The hardcover book spans 112 pages and features 200 duotone photographs that capture the essence of Left Bank life during this culturally significant period. The book measures 275 mm x 195 mm and is available for $30.00 with ISBN 978-1-899235-22-3 through Dewi Lewis Publishing's website at dewilewis.com.
