Streisand: In the Camera Eye (Barbra Streisand)

Yes, you can. Well, in this case anyway. Judge a book by its cover. I’m not sure if the saying originated as “You cannot judge a book by its cover” or “You should not judge a book by its cover” but whatever the original verbiage, no need to worry about that when you pick up ‘Streisand: In the Camera Eye”. Intrigued as you will be by the Cecil Beaton portrait on this book’s cover, the intrigue lies ahead, in this collection of photographs masterfully curated by best-selling author James Spada and given the kid-glove production it deserves from book publisher Abrams.

Although the 170 portraits and candid shots of Miss Streisand can speak for themselves, Spada writes a breezily engaging commentary tracing the star’s career that brings you from page to page, and has taken the time and care to speak with some of the photographers and shares their thoughts and insights, fully rounding out the experience of stargazing.

If the camera loves Barbra, it must be stated that she, in turn, loves the camera. She must. Not as a narcissist but as an artist who understands and obliges whatever medium in which she is presently engaged. To some it might seem a long jump from standing in front of your bathroom mirror to sitting for Cecil Beaton or Francesco Scavullo but for Barbra it appears to be a lovely, graceful step. Or as Beaton, who designed the sets and historical costumes for “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever” is quoted in the book says, “She is an ideal mannequin and compelling actress in elegant period costumes. Her face is a painting from several historical eras. She is a self-willed creation.”

And Spada works well to remind us that there were two people in the room, and includes many insightful comments from those photographers with whom he was able to speak.

When Barbra Streisand joined Instagram in August of 2014 she made news. Network, cable, basic-cable, bloggers, tweets - you name it, she made it. In this era of selfie-portraits and snap-chats and file sharing and photo-shopping and photo-bombing and cloud hacking and everything else I haven’t mentioned, the idea of a beautiful, coffee table book illustrating the career of a beloved movie star might seem a bit quaint. Well, what’s wrong with quaint? I, for one, have grown a bit tired of seeing laptops, gaming controls, bowls of potpourri, cutting boards and whatever else is crowding the tops of coffee tables these days. You might as well display a worthy book on it, now that everyone is drinking their coffee on the streets anyway.

So go ahead, judge this book by its cover. And when the judging is over, slip off the dust jacket and relish the hardcover “case” photo by Craig D. Simpson. Your coffee table will thank you.

I agree you want to judge this book by its cover,it is glorious from beginning to end. The pictures are captivating and the writing is informative and articulate. I am thrilled to add this to my collection.

I can only reiterate what others have already said about this book. For the price, it's a great collection of rare photos of The Greatest Star. That regal profile is so uniquely striking. Streisand has had so many photo sessions with the some of the world's greatest photographers that there could be several books with other rare shots. I especially loved the early movie set photos from Funny Girl, Dolly and Clear Day. Streisand is one of the great originals in so many ways.

James, what a truly gorgeous book. It is THE most beautiful book in my entire collection.A must for any fan! Places of business with a waiting room...buy this for your patients, customers and or clients.

I've bought several books by James Spada before, based on his incredible reputation as a writer. This book is one of the most beautiful coffee table books I've ever seen. If you are a Streisand fan like me, this is a "must have"! Even if you're not, it's a lovely book to add to your collection. Love it!

With much anticipation, I received my copy of James Spadas new book Streisand: In the Camera Eye today. First the cover is absolutely beautiful and makes a perfect coffee table book. The photos inside are simply breathtaking. From every angle, each photograph celebrates the unique beauty of Barbra Streisand. Yes, this book will delight all the die hard Barbra fans, but truly anyone who enjoys photography will enjoy this book!

I got my copy at the weekend and it's the most sumptuous book on Barbra Streisand I have ever seen. Her personality comes through in it and I love all the anecdotes from the photographers like Cecil Beaton, Howell Conant, Bob Willoughby etc, it gives you a real insight into her personality and how she was to work with. James Spada has written seven essays that explore the various periods of Barbra's adult life which gives us an fascinating record of her achievements and incredible successes over the span of her career.
I can imagine Barbra loving this book herself. It's the type of book that you would normally see after someone's death and so when you are browsing through the pages you are aware that you are in the presence of a living legend. The pictures are so clear and are a brilliant surveillance of her entire career.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in portrait photography as well as admirers of this fantastic lady who has charmed us for over half a century.

Just received the book and thought I would look briefly and ended up reading to page 45! Loving this book and all the lovely pictures, well worth the money. Great coffee table book for collectors and fans of Barbra Streisand. This book is a treasure especially since We will no longer be able to to read any more of his writings since how death on January 27, 2013, God Bless you and thank you for all your wonderful books you graced us with James and know we miss you. 😇👼🏻

This is a beautiful book! Having loved Streisand for all my life, I was so happy to see this book, and it did not disappoint. The photos are breathtaking. I loved seeing photos from all the years that I have never seen. The clarity of the pictures and the layout of the book are simply gorgeous. Having many of James Spada books, I knew that this would also be superb,and it is. The dust jacket is exquisite and the book cover itself is fabulous. It is a Valentine to BARBRA I can't stop looking and reading this treasure of a book. Buy it, it's wonderful

Sean S

I've been a Barbra Streisand fan for many years, and I've seen many books about her. This one is by far the best produced, most lavish one I've seen. Crisp, clear photos, most full page and in color. Some of them have been published before, but never this beautifully. Many I've never seen, including shots from Barbra's first studio photo session when she was 18 (complete with long nails and tons of attitude!) There are stunningly gorgeous unpublished shots by Cecil Beaton of Barbra as Melinda in "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever." This is a book that every Streisand fan will proudly display on their coffee table, and I recommend it without reservation!