Editorial Review:

In this large, abundantly illustrated volume, Joseph attempts to document the American Pitbull Terrier as owned throughout the country. What emerges, however, is a single-sided, often stereotypical view of the pitbull owners themselves—a portrait that is nevertheless evocatively captured. The opening two-page spread shows a close up of a young man from Liberty, Tex., proudly baring his gold teeth and his pitbull ring; an American flag hangs above him. Subsequent photos show pitbulls tied up in back yards or being held by their tattooed owners (men and women; black, white and Latino). Joseph offers a glimpse into an East Village apartment in New York City, then turns his attention to a hangar where pitbull brick-pulling competitions are held. Only in Frey’s essay, which narrates the author’s search for a pitbull pup, does the stereotypical view of pitbulls as ferocious and strong begin to be challenged.

My Review:

I LOVE THIS BOOK. The photos are of real people with real "pit bulls". I love his style of photography, and the pictures really capture the heart and soul of these dogs and their owners. Most people don't get this book, and I loved reading the reviews on Amazon by the tree huggers and AR idiots protesting the sale of this book when it came out. Almost everyone in the book fits the "stereotypical thug owner" and that's why I think I like it so much.

There's interviews with Louis Colby, Frank Rocca and Nino Bussa. There's a lot of weight pull and a few hog hunting pictures too.