Longing for the big city

The metropolises of this world exert an irresistible attraction on us humans. Places of longing that promise freedom and offer a diversity that is incomparable. Here, contradictions collide and boundaries become increasingly blurred. Beautiful and ugly, rich and poor, superficial and profound - the spectrum of city life is inexhaustible. Metropolises are cities that offer anonymity or the opportunity to gain notoriety far beyond their own city limits. They are sung about and are the setting for films and books. Everyone knows their name and their individual landmarks.

Whether London, New York or Berlin

World metropolises have their very own character. Yet they are far more than their famous landmarks. And yet it is precisely the typical sights and individual aspirations that attract millions of tourists to the major cities of this world. In the euphoric rush of discovery, the to-do list of the long-planned city trip is worked off. The sensory overload prevents an authentic approach to the atmosphere of a city. The many small beauties of a metropolis cannot be discovered in a travel guide. You have to discover and experience them yourself. It is the inhabitants who breathe real city air and look behind the staging. The real Berlin, London or New York is always the life of the people. 

The longing to look through the keyhole unites many.

The teNeues "Unseen series" makes this dream possible, because each of the books is a homage to real and authentic life in a big city. Each illustrated book is an authentic approach to the urban personality without serving common clichés. London Unseen", by photographer Paul Scane, published in August 2022, marks the start of the exciting series. In addition to "Berlin Unseen", "New York Unseen" by photographer Luc Kordas will also be published this March.

"London Unseen - Paul Scane

Born and raised in London, photographer Paul Scane knows London's streets inside out. He has been discovering and photographing the hidden corners of his home city with great passion for over 17 years. On foot or by bicycle, he roams through lesser-known corners, producing unique and authentic portraits of a city that has far more to offer than Big Ben. In black and white photographs, he shows the life of London through his own eyes and combines architecture with the extraordinary scenery of street scenes in "London Unseen". Portraying unusual faces gives the picture book a soul that is able to capture the real London in great detail.

Questions for the author

Authors are the soul of their books. They give them their raison d'être and fill the pages with life and meaning. The "Unseen series" lives from the experience and familiarity of its narrators. Without you, the wonderful view through the keyhole would continue to be hidden. To learn even more about the lives and worlds of our authors and photographers, we have asked each of you personal questions. Paul Scane makes the start:

What was your motivation for “London Unseen”?

My motivation was to show a side of the city that the majority of people, even Londoners, would never have seen before. 

A personal memory that most reflects your experience of living in London?

I have many personal memories, but if it came to photography it would probably be almost getting run over by a bus on Westminster Bridge when trying to take a photo of two punks and two orthodox Jews.

You have to leave London - What will you miss the most?

Taking photos.

Which three words best describe YOUR London?

Chaotic, varied and expensive.

"Berlin Unseen" - Martin U. Waltz

The illustrated book creates an authentic insight into the German metropolis and conveys an atmosphere that captures Berlin's everyday life with its architecture, culture and the people in it. Martin U. Waltz does not concentrate on the tourist highlights of the city, but focuses on the streets and faces of the "real" Berlin, the hidden architecture, the backyards, party cellars and subcultures of the city. "Berlin Unseen" manages to look at Berlin not only from the outside, but from the inside. The illustrated book sharpens the eye for the special, raw Berlin and hides tourist hotspots. In this way, the reader experiences an approach to the real life of a city that cannot be pressed into any category. Martin U. Waltz lives as a photographer, author and photography teacher in Berlin.

Questions for the author

Insider tips, motivation or personal memories - Martin U Waltz lets us share his world of thoughts:

A personal Berlin secret tip?

1. The Flak Tower in the Volkspark Humboldthain. The high bunker from the Second World War offers a wonderful view over the north of Berlin. The somewhat enchanted rose garden in the park is also worth a visit.

2. The Pankeweg. A hiking trail that follows the small river Panke out of Mitte to the northern city limits. Particularly charming is the section from the start at Invalidenpark near the main railway station to Schönhausen Palace. 

3. The watchtower at Potsdamer Platz. Potsdamer Platz stretches right across the former Wall. You hardly notice it today. However, very close by in an inconspicuous side street (Erna-Berger-Strasse) you can find the last Wall watchtower of the early BT 6 series.

What was your motivation for "Berlin Unseen"?

I photographed intensively in Berlin for 10 years. After numerous exhibitions, I wanted to show these works together in book form. The "Unseen" concept fits well with my photography and I like the idea that "Berlin Unseen" is part of a series with books about London and New York. 

A personal memory that most reflects your attitude to life in Berlin?

I once met Angela Merkel in a supermarket during her time as German Chancellor. She was just standing in front of me at the checkout. Another time I got into a conversation with a drug dealer in a snack bar who told me how exhausting his job was. In Berlin, I constantly meet people who live completely different lives. I find that very, very exciting. 

Imagine you had to leave Berlin - what would you miss the most?

The wide and ever-changing range of cultural activities. The nature in the city, the numerous huge parks and open spaces like the Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld. The internationality and cosmopolitanism. 

Which three words describe YOUR Berlin?

Creative, chaotic, big.

"New York Unseen" - Luc Kordas

The illustrated book shows the Big Apple on the American East Coast from a side that is usually only experienced by locals and tries to capture the soul of the city of millions without focusing on the tourist highlights such as the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. Besides the pure city scenery, Luc Kordas captures looks, gestures and situations that capture the soul of New York. He focuses on the inhabitants of the East Coast metropolis and allows intimate encounters with the protagonists of his book. The city is thus seen from its edges, and at the same time from its innermost - "New York Unseen" provides an unprecedented view of what is probably the most photographed city in the world. Luc Kordas lives between New York and Europe and characterises his photographs as timeless, everyday moments. His images are in both colour and black and white.

Questions for the author

Luc Kordas shares his thoughts with us and answers our questions about his life and his love for New York:

What was your motivation for “New York Unseen”?

I had been taking photos in New York for over a decade and thought it was a good time to make a book as a closing chapter as I may be leaving the city next year.

A personal memory that most reflects your experience of living in New York?

In the first months of being here, everything was new, but among many novelties one stuck out the most - the smell of the laundromats in the streets. A new smell for me that now distinctly says: you're in New York.

You have to leave New York - What will you miss the most?

One day I will miss the diversity and the ever changing cityscape, the different languages, accents, skin tones and fashion choices, but above all, that one thing that sets New York aside from any other city I know: a particular energy. That same thing that attracts people from around the world and makes them addicts of this vibe, ferment, energy - whatever you want to call it. New York = doing. Never being still.

Which three words best describe YOUR New York?

on the move

*Secret tip: if you want a real New York sandwich and a trip down memory lane, go to Katz's Delicatessen in Lower East Side.

Even more Insider tips for New York? 

On West 11th Street in Greenwich Village: among the apartments and restaurants and stores, there is a tiny and historic cemetery hidden behind a wrought-iron fence and a big tree: The Second Cemetery of the Spanish and Portugese Temple, Shearith Israel, 1805-1829. 

In Washington Square Park in the West Village: To see Real New Yorkers being Themselves! In a hidden corner of the park is the dog park, easily overlooked by tourists  but a very important location for locals. 

Not enough of New York yet?

Then you might be interested in this: New York Magazine presents a "Best of New York" and gives locals and travellers helpful insider tips on the best shops, spots and activities in the Big Apple. As a creative and literary hotspot, New York offers a potpourri of things to do. 

For example, discover New York's best niche bookstores and browse at "High Valley Books" by owner Bill Hall, who runs a second-hand bookshop in his two-storey flat in Brooklyn. Or how about a visit to "Dashwood Books", a bookshop dedicated exclusively to photography books. David Strettell was working as Mario Testino's assistant in 2005 when he decided to open "Dashwood". The shop is located on garden level near the Bowery with sparse floor to ceiling blonde wood shelves full of contemporary, vintage and extremely limited edition photography books.

Would you rather be read to? Then take a look at the New York's best reading venues. The city's thriving independent bookstores are constantly hosting readings to capture your imagination. Experience an inspiring evening on the balcony of Judson Memorial Church at Dead Darlings or discover the Franklin Park Reading Series, in a spacious, friendly beer hall in Crown Heights.