Chicago

Sicilian-born photographer Visalli offers a rousing portrayal of the Windy City, sharing striking images of Chicago's beaches, ballparks and buildings. The full-color images are divided roughly by neighborhood, with short blocks of text (featuring quotes from actors, musicians and poets) interspersed throughout. Visalli's strength lies in his attention to detail, which can be seen in his close-up of the facade of the Rookery Building, built in 1886; or in his depiction of the gold lettering that graces the front of the famous Pizzeria Uno restaurant. Many of these shots were taken on brilliantly sunny days, so that the shining skyscrapers jump out against blue skies (although the image of fog rising above Lake Michigan on a cold November day is also striking). And Visalli shows off images of famous landmarks, such as Navy Pier and the Wrigley Building, as well as lesser-known sights, like the 1960s-style parking garage that towers above the Chicago River, and Marc Chagall's vibrant mural The Four Seasons, on First National Plaza.