Samuel Chamberlain in his little book of fine photographs has caught the charm of that far island outpost of picturesqueness. Nantucket has been called a remarkably unspoiled fragment of other centuries, steeped in salty atmosphere and rural flavor. The Kansas City Star, Sept. 16, 1939

{HISTORY}

With each turn of the page of this slim photography book, you can practically hear the seagulls cry and the waves crash. You can practically smell the cool, briny air and taste the crab and the lobster, the chowder and the clams.

Samuel Chamberlain's gorgeous photography book published in 1939, captures the beauty of New England architecture from the vantage point of an "off-islander" in the picturesque whaling town of Nantucket, MA. Windmills and lighthouses, wharf shacks and sea captains' homes, beaches and boats... they are all here,  beautifully photographed from a traveler's perspective as he explores the island with the feeling of first-time eyes.

No stranger to travel, photography or beautifully presented subjects, Samuel Chamberlain (1895-1975) is one of our most favorite photographers here In The Vintage Kitchen.  Along with his artistic wife Narcissa, and their creative kids, Samuel and his family explored creative pursuits in cooking, photography, writing, and interior design while living in both the US and abroad. Publishing over 60 books throughout his career, with subjects ranging from French cookbook memoirs to American interior design to international travel books, in addition to being a celebrated photographer, Samuel was also a talented writer and etcher.  

In the same way that he approached other American city portrait books like Williamsburg, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina, Samuel includes interesting little fun facts, story snippets, and observations alongside his photos of Nantucket. With the intimate air of a tour guide personally escorting you around town, page by page, you get a real sense of the history of Nantucket and the beauty that lives there.

Here in the Vintage Kitchen, we were first introduced to the vivacious Chamberlain family through the adventures of their delightful, funny, and quirky French cook, Clementine, whom we wrote about on the blog here and whose book is in the shop here.

A unique combination of enigmatic talent both individually and together as a family, the Chamberlains (Mom, Dad, kids, and cook)  all contained a joie de vivre that was infectious when it came to their creative projects.  Something that could be translated just as effectively whether they were working with words, photos, furniture, food, or recipes, every single Chamberlain book we have encountered so far has that same kind of magic. Nantucket included.

{SPECIAL FEATUTES}

• Published in 1939 by Hastings House
• 73 pages
• Petite size

{CONDITION}

In lovely if somewhat slightly shabby vintage condition. this book has so much aged character and a gorgeous spirit.  The photographs are crisp and clear throughout. The front coverboard contains a small paper scuff. There is light foxing on three pages near the inner crease at the spine towards the front of the book, two small stains on the forward page, and some chippiness to the top and bottom of the spine. The back coverboard has a small black spot on the back. The spine is tight and all pages are intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 7.5" inches (length) x 6.25" inches (width) x .5" inches (thickness) and weighs 8 oz