Rebirth of the Cool: Discovering the Art of Robert James Campbell

Robert James Campbell photographed jazz and folk artists in New York during the 50's and 60's and his photographs are quite magnificent. I'm glad to have this book to add to my collection. It took a long time to receive the book, though not longer than they estimated.

Robert 'Bob' Campbell died homeless and alone, his life seemingly meaningless and forgotten. Only the boxes of photographic negatives, disintegrating contact sheets, and various memorabilia would provide clues to the man and his vocation. Author Jessica Ferber, through dogged efforts over a period of 13 years, brings Bob and his phenomenal photos back to life. It is hard to know which is the more intriguing story - that of the photographer or the recent college graduate who discovered him in a pile of boxes and embarked on a journey spanning more than a decade. Both are stories of passion.

A wonderful biography of a man I came to know from 1995 through 2000. Bob was in fact a kind, thoughtful and deeply inquisitive soul. When we talked he actually minimized his photography, but would show me photos he had taken of iconic figures. He spent much of his time in LA building sets, occasionally traveling to rock festivals to build stages and sound towers. The picture on page 31 is the man I came to know, like and admire. Thank you Jessica for your labor of love.

I love this "cool" book! I've already given it as a client gift and my client loved it too. It makes a fantastic coffee table book. The black and white pictures and the stories they reflect are a fascinating peek into an incredible time in New York, one that I would have loved to be part of. I appreciated the chance to visit it in "Rebirth". I can highly recommend it!

A beautifully written book as well as a wonderful human interest story. What a grand endeavor for such a young person to take on and to stick with the project for so long! It takes a lot of blood,sweat and tears! Awesome pics of the old timers as well as NYC, as it once was......Great job Ms. Ferber, Bob is smiling from above

I am in awe of Jessica's passion and dedication in completing this book about Robert James Campbell. The years she spent with determination in wanting to show the world who this man was has come through in this book. The photography is amazing Jessica's writing brings it all to life, congratulations young lady fabulous job!

Bravo to Jessica Ferber on her first book. Such a beautiful and compelling journey into a life so ultimately tragic. Her passion and dedication to her subject shine thru on every page. Thanks for shining a light on Robert Cambells life and art.

Very interesting

What a superb book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. A fascinating story, including how the treasure trove of Robert John Campbell's work came to be discovered and published, what has been pieced together in terms of his life story and his wonderful photographs. Well done Jessica Ferber, absolutely wonderful.

A*

What an incredible story! I felt honoured to be among the few people to discover the images within this book and read about the photographers life. Well done Jessica!

Lovely book. I'm very pleased with it!