Britons

Library Journal

Paul Theroux's Kingdom by the Sea ( LJ 10/15/83) created a dolorous narrative image of England, but Neal Slavin's photography book presents a series of group portraits of a people still full of civility, humor, and grace. Slavin used a 24 x 20 Polaroid view camera to produce exquisitely detailed pictures replete with significant information. Gathering people by interest group association, he allowed them to pose themselves and freely display the dress and mannerisms that defined their collective identities. Whether it is the studied boredom of the debutantes or the arch gesture of a lawn bowler, Slavin has created an eloquent document of a timeless people. Rusted factories may abound, but the droll resolve of the British to endure (and have a little fun doing it) comes through in these portraits. James L. Jablonowski, History Dept . , Marquette Univ., Milwaukee