In Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery (where Leigh is interred). That graces the cover of John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. But Leigh, a native of Savannah, was at that time already known as an accomplished portrait and documentary photographer. He wrote and published five books on photography and his photo gallery was a popular tourist attraction in Savannah’s historic district. In addition to Oystering, offered for sale, he is also known for Nets & Doors: Shrimping in Southern Waters (1989) and Seaport: A waterfront at Work (1996). The best description of Oystering (Carolina Art Association, 1983) is found in the book notes: The photographs in this book are the result of a talented photographer’s love and respect for a vanishing way of life. Jack Leigh has lived near the oystermen of coastal South Carolina for many years and has spent countless hours with them, from from the cold light of early morning in the salt marsh to the flickering flambeaux of midnight on the river. His camera has recorded the lonely and secret pursuit of the individual oystermen, the camaraderie and round-the-clock travail of the oyster barge teams, the clutter of the shucking house, and the acrid steam of the cannery. Oystering: A Way of Life is an achievement in the finest tradition of photo documentary journalism and his also a sensitive work of art. Author James Dickey’s poetic foreword provides an evocative counterpoint to the photographs and also stands apart as a distinguished work of the literary art. For all who love the Southeast and who mourn the passing of one of our nation’s unique traditions, Oystering: A Way of Life captures the enduring world of the Carolina Oysterman. Hardcover with dust jacket, 1st, 110 pp. 9.5″x12″; b/w ills. Don’t be shy; give it a try.