Psychedelic Renegades: With Photographs of Syd Barrett by Mick Rock
Plexus Publishing Ltd
Date: Oct 2007
ISBN: 0859654176
A beautiful book and a must have for Syd Barrett fans and those interested in photography alike, fortunately of which I am both.
Rock presents as insightful a book as any I have seen about Barrett documenting his time through the late 60's/early 70's. I have read several biographies relating to Barrett and have found Rock's photography, prose and interview the most poignant. At the beginning of the book Rock writes, briefly, about his time with Syd in the late 60's, creating a wonderful atmosphere and context within which the photographs and further prose follows.
Rock also offers insights into his early photography experience in how certain photographs were shot. A definite plus for those interested in photography. Interestingly, the early shots of Syd were among the first he took as a professional photographer and he is able to provide us with glimpses and flashes of a mad cap in the making.
The later shots of Syd, in his mother's garden in the early 70's, are amongst the most beautiful and striking photographs. They show a fragile person yet, at times, give us glimpses of hope and smiles. In between photograph's, Rock provides us with information about the times he knew Syd and also the time spent that day in Syd's mother's garden.
A wonderful book and a must have for any fan of Barrett, Rock and photography.
