One of the most beloved dogs of the 20th century, the American Pit Bull Terrier has in recent times become one of the most maligned and misunderstood. Marc Joseph’s photographic exploration into the culture of Pit Bulls dogs and their people presents an alternative view of the controversial world revolving around this uniquely American breed of dog, and the human beings who live for them. Granted unprecedented access to homes, yards, events, and celebrated figures (including hip-hop recording artists such as Big Boi from Outkast, and DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill), Joseph reveals this culture through captivating photographs taken across the United States. Issues of identity are addressed through elements of image, race, pride, and background, while the images simultaneously serve to further an understanding of our perceptions of unconditional love, beauty, danger, and strength. Rich with metaphor, themes of family and shelter are prominent; throughout the series a cast of characters emerges, themselves defining the context of the work. Interviews by Cory Reynolds; with an historical and personal essay from best-selling author James Frey ( My Friend Leonard, A Million Little Pieces ). in truth, a breathtakingly original view of American Culture. DAVID SCHONNAUER / AMERICAN PHOTO MAGAZINE / MARCH 2005 Joseph may have found the perfect totem animal for contemporary AmericaÉthe often contradictory traits of loyalty and fearlessness, pugnacity and menace, obedience and rebellion EDGAR ALLEN BEEM / PHOTO DISTRICT NEWS / NOVEMBER 2003 I believe it is very important to look squarely at societal issues, and a photographic typology is the perfect vehicle for looking at this one. Mr. Joseph has created a suite of pictures that are as powerful as they are revealing. Seen alone the pictures are tender or frightening or dignified. Cumulatively they are a riveting photographic manifestation of American culture. JOEL STERNFELD, PHOTOGRAPHER AMERICAN PROSPECTS, STRANGER PASSING Marc Joseph's handsomely packaged photography collectionÉAmerican Pitbull is a complicated expression of how objects transform into icons, and how this courageous, unstoppable breed serves as a symbol to owners glorifying those same qualities in themselves. FELICIA FEASTER / CREATIVE LOAFING / ATLANTA, GA 01.08.04 BESTSELLERS (#14) LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER LIST FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2003 American Pitbull challenges facile assumptions... Joseph provides a fascinating visual portrait of the nation's most vilified dogs [which] makes us re-evaluate just who is drawn to these dogs and why. DENISE FLAIM / NEW YORK NEWSDAY APRIL 26, 2004 I am reminded of Bill Owens’ photographic essay and book, Suburbia. His posed photos of big-haired ladies and empty swimming pools seem deliberately campy. Just when you start to think how desolate these people’s lives must be, you turn the page and there is a portrait of Owens’ own family. He was not photographing the Other, he captured his own experience and in so doing, marked a point in social history. Such is the case with Joseph’s work. He did not approach this project from the outside... [American Pitbull] is one man’s view of the dogs and their people... a personal journey of his connection to a special breed of dog. LILLIAN SIZEMORE / PROGRAM DIRECTOR, FIFTY CROWS INT'L FUND FOR DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY MARC JOSEPH was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been making pictures since his father presented him with the gift of a camera, at age 17. After college and a year in Paris, he relocated to New York City in 1987, where he now lives and works. American Pitbull is his first book. JAMES FREY is the author of the memoir A Million Little Pieces, a New York Times bestseller that was named the best book of 2003 by Amazon.com. It was subsequently published in thirty countries and became a bestseller around the world. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he and his family live in New York City with their two dogs, one of which is an American Pit Bull Terrier. His latest work, My Friend Leonard, is published by Riverhead. CORY REYNOLDS served as editor of the monograph, Peter Halley: Maintain Speed, and is the former editor of Index Magazine, where she interviewed Abel Ferrara, Isabel Huppert, Jurgen Teller, and many others. Paperback, 8.75 x 11 in./248 pgs / 220 color.