A feast of photographers

Gordon Parks is a man of many gifts--the consummate Renaissance man, who has excelled in a wide range of arts ("A Lion in Winter," page 22). But he is best known for his work behind the camera--his photographs and his groundbreaking film The Learning Tree. It was an honor for BIBR when he agreed to sit in front of the camera for our cover on the eve of publication of his two new books and the reissue of another of his more than two dozen published volumes, which extend far beyond photography to poetry, fiction, memoir and essay. When Anthony Barboza graciously agreed to be the "lensmeister" for the occasion and MacArthur--winning photographer, photo editor and historian Deborah Willis accepted our invitation to interview the 94-year-old Parks, we were ecstatic. We knew that BIBR would be proud to document in print the interaction of these individuals, who each have had an impact on black visual culture. I trust you'll cherish the Parks/Willis/Barboza collaboration as much as we have enjoyed the experience of bringing it to you.

It has been a challenging year. War and natural disasters, specifically Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region, loss of some of our dearest heroes like Oscar Brown Jr., Dr. Kenneth Clarke, Johnnie Cochran, Shirley Chisholm, Ossie Davis and Clarence "Bighouse" Gaines, were all overlaid on the constant press for justice and equality. Like me, you might reflect on how books figure into such grave times.

We at BIBR believe books are essential in times such as these. And as the year draws to a close, our story "Thoughts That Count" (page 57) brings you the uplift that books provide through the choice of some of our favorite authors. Whether you're reading for information, solace and strength, or escapist entertainment, you have a wide selection from this issue.

Finally, I had family members in all three states that were affected by Katrina. My cousin in Mobile, Alabama, experienced minor damage, but I thank God that all in his family are okay. At least two relatives in Mississippi experienced severe water damage to their homes. At the time of this writing, I have yet to determine the impact the storm left on one relative in New Orleans who lost virtually everything.

Like so many, I am affected by this tragedy, and although it will be out of the headline news by the time you read this, the sorrow will remain acute for many of us and recovery will continue for decades.

Please find a special way that you can make a difference. Several initiatives are mentioned in this issue of BIBR [see the EXECUTIVE EDITOR'S VIEW, on page 4] and on our Web site, at www.bibookreview.com.

Every day, no matter what comes, is a gift. Enjoy the holiday season with books.

William E. Cox

President/Editor-in-Chief

COPYRIGHT 2005 Cox, Matthews & Associates
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group