"The book extends its influence" is how French photo portal The Eye of Photography summed up this year's Paris Photo! Countless new photo books, new fairs and more and more publishers: The photo book as a medium is becoming an increasingly serious player in the world of photography. All the more important we see the task of developing and communicating photobook culture in all its facets.

Our three photo books of the year are distinguished by their ability to open up new perspectives and spaces for thought. The reception history of Diane Arbus through her Documents, the "making of" Susan Meisela's legendary Carnival Strippers and Dayanita Singh's innovative look at her own Book Building and the expanded possibilities of dealing with the medium. Three publications that pave the way for a future photobook culture!