Waiting for the Magic: The Photography of Oscar Marzaroli

This book celebrates Marzaroli’s extraordinary talent with a number of specially-commissioned essays and a selection of previously unpublished photographs, as well as many of the iconic, much loved work for which he is renowned. The first section, ‘Europe: A Man with a Vision’ (Anne Marzaroli), highlights Oscar’s journey into photography at the age of eighteen and features figure and landscape shots from Scotland and beyond, as well as photographs of family and friends. ‘Waiting for the Magic’ is a piece by the late James Grassie, who worked with Marzaroli on many of his documentary films. Photographs include land and seascapes, and images which explore the human response to the natural environment. ‘Glasgow: A Dear Green Place’ (Robert Crawford, St Andrews University) contains some of Marzaroli’s most familiar Glasgow shots, as well as many images never before published. All are of extraordinary historical and social importance as they depict the city during a profound process of change. ‘Marzaroli’s People (Peter Ross, Scotland on Sunday).Marzaroli’s portraits always had a purpose and a point; his empathy is apparent as is his lack of intrusion and respect for people in their unique landscape, whether it be urban or country.

Reviews of Waiting for the Magic: The Photography of Oscar Marzaroli

'As we have come to expect from Birlinn, the book is beautifully produced and designed … And if you're listening, Santa, Waiting For The Magic will almost certainly be a more lasting gift than Jamie's or Yotam's or Hugh's latest cook-tome' – Aberdeen Voice