Consider this not so much a review as a thumb’s up: get ye a copy of The Forgotten Ones.

The overall concept of this book is, for lack of time to give a better explanation, a photographic project of a small, low-income section of Buffalo, New York. I have no particular affinity for the people or the place, but I found it quite compelling.

First among this is the photographer: while no longer spry at 90, he’s still active. And he lets people be themselves – this comes out in the work. It’s a relaxed approach, and one that leaves plenty of mystery and conjecture in the portraits, which is doubtlessly why I like it.

However, the latter half of the book, “Quartets” stands out among my many other photobooks that I’m slowly collecting. Individuals, shown over four decades, with their interviews and a bit of a history to them. Some are sad, some are uplifting. All make me think.

Definitely thumbs up on this one on a personal level.

Disclaimer: I get paid if you buy this book, albeit a small percentage.