Insiders tip

'Kafkanistan' by Lukas BIRK explores the world of present day tourism to conflict areas such as Afghanistan, Pakistan as well as Iran. The paperback formast contains more than 300 photos & illustrations plus a free DVD with two films and special features.

The photo volume 'Two Rivers' by Magnum member Carolyn DRAKE deals about the two most important rivers in Central Asia, Amu Darya and Syr Darya. The self-published, unconventional book was designed by prominent Dutch photo book designer Sybren KUIPER.

'Directions for Leaving' on the work of Jeffrey SILVERTHORNE 1971-2006 pointedly asks existential life questions about identity, gender, love, violence, sexuality and death. The transsexual becomes the ultimate symbol, seeking ways to show his inner self.

'Life and Work' about Andrei TARKOVSKY brings together film stills, Polaroids & documentary photos for each of his films, writings and private photos. A tribute to a great visionary who thought in poetic, often disturbing images of almost biblical force.

'I love you stupid' illustrates the fast life of young deceased artist Dash SNOW and his importance for the New York scene. The abundance of material as well as the 'appearances' of many people of the scene make this volume a document of US youth culture.

The photo book 'Horaivka' by Anatoliy BABIYCHUK is the result of some visits to the small central Ukrainian village. His interest in traditional rituals and work in the fields becomes a prototypical sociogram of a forgotten stretch of land in Europe.

'Omo Change' by Fausto PODAVINI deals on Omo River & The Gibe III dam which disrupts the balance of one of the most incredible areas in Africa in the name of development, by diverting a local resource for profit of local elites & international investors.

This so far only monograph on Sid GROSSMAN, a comprehensive survey of his life and work, includes early social documentary work (1930s), more personal and dynamic street photography (1940s), and late experiments with abstraction in b/w and in color.

Paola de PIETRI's photographs in the photo book 'New Istanbul Stories' document the effects of the changing urban landscape of Istanbul on people. Posture and language reflect the unstable state of mind of a new, very mixed class of native migrants.