(VNF) - The Soul of Vietnam is a 180 page hardcover coffee table photography book with more than 140 images by the multi-talented American artist, Lawrence D’Attilio, explores one of the world’s largest populations’ profound transformations into a global power.

Mountain Games.

The Soul of Vietnam amplifies on the author’s concepts and experiences of contemporary Vietnam. Lawrence D’Attilio states, “I had no intention to create a journalistic view of the country, instead I wanted to describe the people, country and culture from my subjective understanding”.

Lawrence D’Attilio is a life-long fine art photographer who, early in his career, studied with Ansel Adams. He first arrived in Hanoi in 2006 with his wife Pam, on the cusp of this wave of change. What he found, a country poised on the edge of an economic revolution, compelled him to return again and again over the next five years.

His fascination with Hanoi morphed into a fascination with its people: their character, their intensity, their ability to stay in the present while looking forward. D’Attilio undertook to see into the layers of Vietnamese society; many of his images capture the everyday.

Generations Stick Together.

“Photographing in Vietnam as more than a tourist puts Vietnam and the images you will make deep in your heart forever,” said Lawrence. “Vietnam’s culture is very special. My first time in Vietnam in 2006 evolved to become the most exciting time in my life. Ten years later it is the Vietnam I know and celebrate in ‘The Soul of Vietnam’ book and museum exhibit. I want to share with you what I have learned from the Vietnamese and the interaction I have had with them.”

In the collaborative spirit of Vietnam culture, the first edition of this book is accompanied by a 12 page booklet that includes an essay about Hanoi by the esteemed author, poet and artist Nguyen Qui Duc. The booklet contains some additional photographs by D’Attilio but in black and white.

US photographer Lawrence D'Attilio. (Photo provided by the author)

On October 30^th, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Tadioto (24B Tong Dan Str., Hanoi), Mr. D’Attilio will share his experiences, and show many of his images. On this occasion, you can buy a copy of “The Soul of Vietnam” (VND 700,000, or USD 30) and receive a signed print of an image from the book./.

Nestled Village.

Catch the Catch.

Gardeners at the Temple of Literature.

Working Youth.

Hanoi Dong Da District.

Red River Night.

Earthen Eruptions.

Grace of Craft.

Spectral Mist - My Son.

Youthful Compassion.

Joy is.

( Compiled by VNF )