True Places: A Lowcountry Preacher, His Church, and Hist People

by Stanley F. Lanzano

True Places is an emotionally charged photographic documentary of the lives of evangelical pastor Floyd Knowlin and his close-knit African American congregations who live, work, and worship in a rural stretch of coastal South Carolina.

For more than a decade photographer Stanley F. Lanzano has immersed himself in the daily practices of this community in Williamsburg and Georgetown counties, befriending Reverend Knowlin and becoming...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570038511
• ISBN13: 9781570038518
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: University of South Carolina Press
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 9.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

A warm visit with America's soul

Full disclosure: The author was my college roommate and is my lifelong friend. To say we are like brothers would be appropriate. So when he told me that he was going to live in rural South Carolina for a few months and take pictures of people in church and at home, I said, "How about those Yankees?" Then he sent me his book a few years later and, well, I was blown away. As I marveled at page after page of fascinating images and engaging commentary, I couldn't help but think of Pearl Buck's novel, The Good Earth, that gave us a peek into the enigma that once was China. Well here is a self-taught, profoundly curious and deeply perceptive American who takes us on a unique little trip through an unseen part of our own world, where time stands still. It is a modern work of social anthropology and inspiring discovery. Mr. Lanzano spent months at a time over several years to build strong bonds and a lasting rapport with a rural South Carolina community of African Americans of faith and family with cultural and ethnic bonds that are centuries old. I loved every page, every image and every thought. It belongs on every coffee table in America. The gift of our friendship has paid many joyful dividends over the years. None more wondrous than True Places. I am so proud of my brother. Thanks, Stanley. Jack GrassoTrue Places: A Lowcountry Preacher, His Church, and His People

Understanding Community

To be transparent, I have know the author for 50 years, been aware of his dedication to this work,and was quietly curious about his photography. I pre-ordered a copy and was treated to an uplifting picture of a community of believers through the eyes of the author. The joys and sorrows experienced over the period of time taken to being this book to print, expressed through the printed word and photos, moved me to want to visit,celebrate,sing and pray with them. I purchased several more copies and gave them as gifts to friends and family for Chirstmas, all have thanked me more than once and then with smiles we say together "Lord, I wish I had a prayin Church tonight!"

It's a Gem!

I'm most impressed with the author's dedication in spending so many years researching, documenting and photographing the congregation of Rev. Knowlin in South Carolina. He weaves a beautiful story with words and photographs and give us an intimate portrayal of this beautiful culture. I'm very impressed with his vivid profiles and captivating imagery. A must read!

compelling look at insulated African American community

This book is a photographic journey through a world which many Americans would not have the opportunity to visit. Lanzano's friendship with the preacher and his flock is evident through the bright and often funny text and the array of marvelous black and white (a few brilliant color shots, too)medium format photographs.