Jim French Diaries: The Creator of Colt Studio

JIM FRENCH DIARIES is a stunning book, and a welcome addition to the library of anyone who not only enjoys male nude photography, but -- perhaps more important -- wants to understand its genesis and evolution. Although the work in this book is uniquely Jim French's, much of the credit for this handsome volume must go to Robert Mainardi, who labored over this project for many years before it finally came to fruition. Like Mainardi's other contributions to our photographic and cultural heritage (STRONGMAN and THE NAKED HEARTLAND come immediately to mind), JIM FRENCH DIARIES was a true labor of love for Mainardi, and it shows in every respect -- the care with which the images were selected; the truly illuminating text; the beautiful packaging and production; and the sheer size and heft of this book. All those attributes are combined in an attempt to do justice to one of the most important photographers of our time. We're fortunate Jim French is still alive (and willing) to share his reminiscences with us, because who better is there to tell us his story? No amount of research and after-the-fact digging is ever as valuable as an artist's firsthand account of his own development. Seldom has a photographer (and I do not qualify this statement with "of the male nude) been able to capture both the humanity and sheer erotic frisson of his subjects. The evolution of Colt from its early beginnings in New York in the 1960s through its legendary years in California is laid out here in color and black and white, magnificently reproduced. Additionally, a number of French's Polaroid studies and his original artworks (attributed in those days to Arion, Luger and later to Rip Colt) are reproduced and are a welcome reference, reminding us of French's fine art background and his brilliance not only as a photographer, but also as an illustrator. And while I've long been a fan of Mr. French's books -- seeking out even those early, rare volumes that are often so difficult to find -- this volume will stand as the comprehensive overview of this artist's work. Its sheer length and heft (350 pages and nearly eight pounds) allow room for some unexpected delights: a grinning Byron Hawkwood lifting what looks like a chamois cloth to reveal the goods; occasional behind-the-scenes photos that indicate what a true production a Colt shoot could be; Doug Perry in all his lick-able vascularity. What's truly wonderful is that despite its breadth and depth, the reader and viewer are left wanting more -- more of the story, more of the photographs, more of the remarkable Jim French. Perhaps a Volume 2 is in order sometime soon?

This book has been a long time in the making, and obsessive Colt Studio fans have been waiting for it for years. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely! Do I wish there were more. Of course! First up, the photographs, which is what many will be wanting. The book is packed with many of Jim French's most iconic and beautiful photographs. The majority of photos are from the late 1980s through the 1990s, but there are some photos from Colt's earliest days and through the 1970s. There are also a good number of reproductions of French's illustrations as Kurt Lüger (Lüger Studios, Colt's predecessor) and a smaller number his Rip Colt illustrations for Colt. What I'm loving from the book is the text. Colt fans know that Jim French has always been an enigmatic figure. We never heard from him in the press, we didn't hear stories about his models, and finally that is changed here. Guided by editor Robert Mainardi (one half of the couple who owns San Francisco's beloved store, The Magazine) in interviews, French takes us on a tour of his and Colt's history, detailing how he got into illustration and then photography, how Lüger came to be formed and quickly fell apart, how Colt Studio started and continued. And there are the memories about the models. The title of the book is The Jim French Diaries, and in the interviews, French frequently consults his diaries to give stories about iconic Colt men like Bruno, Dakota, Carl Hardwick, and on and on. There's even the text of a delightful reunion between French and the model known as Ledermeister in 2002, when they hadn't seen each other for decades. The interviews appear to have taken place years ago (early to mid-2000s), so you aren't going to get much contemporary information, but that's fine with me. If there are two things I'd like more of from this book it would be more stories about the models and shoots, and more reproductions of photos and outtakes from Colt's first ten years. But those are small quibbles. This book is very much worth it's price.

....wow! Not only absolutely beautiful men but a unique insight on Jim French and the whole "nude male" photo world and it's background from the sixties. No one will be disappointed with this purchase!

HOT AND SEXY WITH LOADS OF GREAT PICTURES AND AN INTERESTIN HISTORY OF HOW THIS ICONIC STUDIO GOT IT'S START--GREAT BOOK!

This book is the best! As I have previously mentioned in reviews, Colt studios has had fantastic photographers over the years and Jim French has always been my favorite for taking sexy but not necessary provocative photos of men in great shape and blessed with great features physically speaking. Out of all my photo/tabletop style books, and I do have closing in on 75, this is my all time favorite.

I found the book good, as it documented the history of gay porn, via Jim French. I recommend it to anyone having an interest in gay history.

This book is really informative. The pictures are great. My favorite model was John Pruitt.

Jim French is an incredible photographer/artist of the male form. This book is chock full of erotic male photographs. Jim is an amazing talent. What a wonderful collection of masculinity.

Chi ama il genere e l'ottima fotografia non può che rimanerne abbagliato, poche parole ma dense di significato le mie

The poor woman at the post office nearly slipped a disc as she heaved this large book across the counter. Large is an understatement, both regarding the book itself, and plenty of the men inside it. Colt studio has been photographing men since the late 60's, and here are around 350 pages of some of the best. There is a particular type of man that will be found in any Colt book. No skinny, androgynous over-groomed models here. The book opens with an interview with Colt studio founder Jim French, regarding his art background, and shows several of the beautiful drawings he produced under the name "Luger." Also here are chapters where Jim French talks about the business side of things, as well as Fire Island, polaroids, Superstars, California, and model Ledermeister. Four of the chapters are about various models, and include stories about their real lives, their habits as models, their characters, and in some cases, their sad end, such as model Bill Cable (aka Stoner) who died a year after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles. There are light-hearted moments too, such as the air hostess who took quite a liking to model Mike Timber after he offered her some in-flight "entertainment", then followed him to a remote area where his photo shoot was to take place, in the hope of some more of the same. The photographs are the obvious main-attraction throughout. Dozens and dozens of men from the last 4 decades. A few of the well-known models include Pete Kuzak, Rick Koch, Carl Hardwick, Al Parker, Franco Corelli, Dakota, Buck Hayes, Bruno, Jake Tanner, and Ken Ryker. Legendary model John Pruitt features too, and was apparently so attractive that if entered a crowded restaurant, the place would fall silent. It's not difficult to see why in his full page photos here. The book closes with a key to the names of each model throughout the book. Overall, a great look-back at the men of Colt studio, as well as historic item which may well become very sought-after years from now.

Beauttiful book full of top quality photos that we 've come to expect from jim French and his Colt Studios. Many thanks. : - )