Around the world traditions are disappearing, languages are being forgotten and cultures washed away. The main culprit is urbanisation that in its latest and most devastating iteration began in earnest during the Industrial Revolution. The forces driving urbanisation circle around economics, technology, demographics – and most recently climate change. They are as powerful as they are inexorable. The material wealth generated in cities has made urbanisation a key to economic development. This urbancentric view of the world sees that the prevalent purpose of rural areas and their villages is to provide food, energy, and low cost labour driving unprecedented human migration across the globe from towns and villages to cities.

The result is the wholesale disappearance of villages and village life around the world. It is this that Michael Coyne has made his mission to
capture through his probing lens - and his new book. This stunning collection guides us through a disappearing way of life at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries.

Naturally, as the editor of this magazine, I’m going to recommend every reader supports Michael by purchasing a copy of Village – Hearing the Grass Grow. I do so to help Michael, but also because I’m a firm believer that it will be a win-win outcome. The lessons gained from viewing and engaging with Michael’s photography are incredibly instructional, especially if you have also been reading his articles in the magazine. 

Enjoy the brief introduction in the magazine this month - and then buy a copy of his book!

And check out a few of our favourites in the current issue of Better Photography magazine! Current subscribers just have to login to read online or download to their device. Not a subscriber? I'd love you to join and help support our small community. For just AUS $29.88 (it's 40% off, but you must use the coupon code BP40) you can subscribe for one year and have access to over 50 back issues as well. Subscribe now - visit our website here - https://www.betterphotographyeducation.com/better-photography-online/about-the-magazine