[Book Review] Porsche Moments

Porsche Moments, Photographs from Europe and Mexico, 1953–1962

By Jesse Alexander

Doesn’t it go without saying that you’re going to have to have this book?? Jesse Alexander’s photographs always rank among the most stunning images captured during the ’50s and ’60s. In the case of his most recent work, Alexander has culled through his substantial archives to choose a fascinating collection of photographs capturing the essence of Porsche’s ascendancy from 1953–1962. Utilizing both his signature black and white images, as well as many color shots, Alexander provides a very stylistic and revealing look at the Stuttgart racing team’s early, formative years.

This large-format, 96-page work, produced by the folks at David Bull Publishing, really excels on two separate levels. First, as an automotive art book: the layout and reproduction of these evocative images is a visual treat. Second, due to his closeness with the team and its drivers during that period, the composition of Alexander’s photos yields not only historical perspective into famed events like the Carrera Panamericana, Le Mans and the Mille Miglia, but they also seem to somehow catch the very soul of the team’s drivers, names like Gurney, Barth, Behra and von Trips. Another must-have from Alexander.

Available directly from the publisher for US$75.00 at www.bullpublishing.com or (602) 852-9500.