Prospect Park: Photographs of a Brooklyn Oasis, 1980 to 2025

Jamel Shabazz, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, Richard E Green

Book cover for Prospect Park: Photographs of a Brooklyn Oasis, 1980 to 2025
Image for variant 9783791393773
Book cover for Prospect Park: Photographs of a Brooklyn Oasis, 1980 to 2025
Image for variant 9783791393773

Prospect Park: Photographs of a Brooklyn Oasis, 1980 to 2025

Prospect Park: Photographs of a Brooklyn Oasis, 1980 to 2025

Jamel Shabazz, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, Richard E Green

View full details

Description

Spanning 45 years of Jamel Shabazz's photography in Prospect Park, this gorgeous and meditative volume captures the heart and soul of Brooklyn through one of its most cherished spaces.

Known for his iconic NYC street photography documenting the city's African American community, Jamel Shabazz first gained widespread acclaim with his books Back in the Days and A Time Before Crack, renowned for their vivid portrayal of 1980s style and culture.

However, long before his fame as a photographer, Shabazz served in the military and as a corrections officer for twenty years. After long days at work, he often sought refuge in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, describing it as a place to find inner peace--and, since 1980, he has continued capturing its vibrant spirit.

This collection features his signature portraits of locals, from Afro-Caribbean percussionists at Drummer's Grove to multicultural families enjoying moments of quiet reflection. Complementing these human-centered images are lesser-seen landscapes revealing the serene beauty of the park.

Together, these photographs underscore its dual role as a bustling cultural hub and a tranquil refuge. Perfect for anyone who cherishes Brooklyn's cultural history, this volume reveals a new and deeply personal side of Shabazzʼs work, offering a compelling portrait of community, resilience, and connection within an urban sanctuary.

About the Author

JAMEL SHABAZZ is best known for his iconic images of New York City during the 1980s and 1990s. A documentary, fashion, and street photographer, he has also authored numerous books, including the monographs Back in the Days and A Time Before Crack.

LAYLAH AMATULLAH BARRAYN is a documentary photographer, curator, and educator, and a frequent contributor to the New York Times.

RICHARD E. GREEN is a highly-decorated Vietnam veteran, activist, and founder of the nonprofit Crown Heights Youth Collective.

NOELLE THÉARD is a senior photo editor at the New Yorker. Previously, she was program officer at Magnum Foundation.

Publishing Information

Publisher: Prestel Publishing
Pub date: 2025-10-07
Length: 176 pages

The Allstora Membership

Membership Perks:

  • Save 30% on all online store purchases
  • Exclusive access to author's content
  • You pay less, but authors still earn double

Membership Terms:

First Month: $0.00
Monthly price: $5.00
  • To access membership discount simply log in and add to cart, discount applied automatically.
  • One month free trial, cancel anytime. Membership renews on the 15th of each month.