I think it would have been a tall order for Henri to write down the information you would need to reach his level of photography. There are some exceptional documentaries on YouTube for free that you could take advantage of by watching to get some insight from him in his own spoken words and examples. This short read is his collection of writings that brings to a point photography of the day as it was for him. When he mocks the idea of the golden rule being etched onto a lens I sort of grin at the thought of grid lines appearing in modern DSLR cameras to guide in the use of rule of thirds. All this being said - in written words Henri conveys what he's thinking in some of the more general senses of his time with photography where the camera is his sketchbook and where you can try to find another 1000 words in the photos themselves ;) Color photography has come a long long way in the digital world so at a first read you might wonder why he avoided the use of it and made a point to write about it. Therefore, you have to read his writings with the respect he is due for his total mastery of photography. Make no mistake - he was a master. He didn't take the time back then to write about the formula it takes for him and how you can use this formula to get the same results with any camera. He gives you something more intimate in fact - his raw emotions of the world he lived in and how the camera reached out into the world as an extension of himself. Each person has his or her own art inside them and if you understand and appreciate the very fundamentals of photography then you have taken one more step in trying to reach your goals of an artist perhaps. If you read this book with these things in mind you will take something away from it :)Henri Cartier-Bresson, one of the founder of Magnum Photos rarely write, he rather shoot or sketch. That makes this book quite rare and significant. It compile Bresson writing in one book. Bresson discussed about his thought about photography especially photojournalism.By reading this book, you get insight about what inside Bresson's mind on photography, philosophy and what he thinks about other artists. Part two of the book discuss about Bresson's travel to China, Cuba etc. It provides interesting insight on his journey.However, this book is not technical how-to book, if you are looking for book that teach you how to take photo like Bresson, then you are looking for a wrong book. However, I think that the map/rules for Bresson's style can't be explained because it is basically no rules or map. But, you can get some valuable insights from this book and perhaps get a feel what Bresson is about.Here are some interesting paragraphs that I quote right from the book:"Subject does not consist of a collection of facts, for facts in themselves offer little interest. Through facts, however, we can reach an understanding of the laws that govern them, and be better able to select the essential ones which communicate reality.""The camera is for us a tool, not a pretty mechanical toy. In the precise functioning of the mechanical object perhaps there is an unconscious compensation for the anxietes and uncertainties of daily endevor. In any case, people think far too much about technique and not enough about seeing.""Complicated equipment and light reflectors and various other items of hardware are enough, to my mind, to prevent the birdie from coming out."The reason I say it is a great learning tool is that you get to know the thoughts behind the photography. H.C.B.'s insights as to his thought process in taking pictures is worth volumes. Photography is more than just point and shoot, and with digital a great number of people will now just fire away in hopes of getting that one good shot. When just taking your time, looking for that one moment and then capturing the image at just the right time. H.C.B. also gives insights into some of his photography friends which I did find interesting and reading his thoughts on a few of his trips was fun as well.To me, knowing why someone does something is more important than "how to", especially when one already know how to, now we just need to understand the why. it's a short read but I'm on my second time through and enjoying it all over again. Since it is not a "how to" most people won't like this. Those who want to know the thoughts behind the photography by one who was one of the greats will greatly like this book...This is a very nice small volume, including the eponymous essay as well as others. However, if you are looking to find profound revelations in Cartier-Bresson's writing the likes of which appear in his photographs, you may be disappointed. HCB could produce masterworks with his eye and shutter finger, writing not as much so. I believe there was a certain intuition in what he did that is not easy to actually express in words. While the essays did provide an interesting and thought-provoking short read, they feel perhaps like the writings of a lesser artist. This is no knock on Cartier-Bresson, really, simply an acknowledgment that his genius was hard to pin down with words. While a worthy addition to a well-rounded library on the photographic masters, I would not term this a must-read.Wonderful book!It is a book of Cartier-Bressons' philosophy toward photography and art in general. I expected to read detailed approaches to photography that would make me a better photographer. I decided to read it again (its only a 100 pages long) and found that I appreciated it better the second time, and just let my 'artistic mind' wander with the author.Keep reading and re-reading this little book for the gems it has within! Anybody interested in either Henri Cartier-Bresson the photographer and/or the person, as well those looking to find insight and enlightenment into the "decisive moment" and what it really means to capture moments of our lives (and those of others') ought to read this and hopefully obtain and retain some of the ideas presented in this compilations of things and topics related to HCB and photographic processes.The reviews of this short, modest book very very positive…however I was very disappointed. I did findthe section on photography itself very interesting (39 pages) but the other short comments / notes on countries visited, other photographers etc. was only of cursory interest.The whole book is only 105 pages with some big spaces.I have tremendous respect for the author but this book is very over priced for what it is.This is the only book you really need to read. With this your can work the rest out for yourself.Bresson was a master. Read about him and you might learn somethingAn excellent worthwhile read for reflectionI love this book. Love, love love. If you're into Photography, you have to read what Bresson has to say.