Streets of Afghanistan

"The beautiful photographs in this book vividly capture the daily lives of ordinary Afghans and serve as a powerful reminder of the power of art to inspire, to bring people together, and to allow for moments of transcendent grace amid struggle and suffering." −Khaled Hosseini, Author of The Kite Runner

The fruit of years of collaborative work between Afghan and Western photographers and photojournalists, Streets of Afghanistan chronicles one of the most captivating efforts to connect communities and cultures through our common humanity and the power of art.

A collection of the spectacular photography of the Mountain2Mountain (M2M) project — a collaborative effort between Western and Afghan photographers — Streets of Afghanistan is a striking combination of art and activism that is sure to change your entire perspective on the Afghan culture.

Complete with short descriptions that allow the reader to follow the footsteps of the M2M project as they explored the hidden beauties of this faraway land, Streets of Afghanistan is more than just a book — it is a strong step towards closing the divide between East and West.

Shannon Galpin, founder of M2M, on the importance of the project: "[People think that] because this is a country fraught with conflict and poverty that art doesn't have much importance. I disagree. I think art is all the more important here. Art has the power to inspire, to spark conversation, and to bring joy — showcasing these images in public areas where Afghans can enjoy art for art's sake, and be proud of the beauty and spirit of their country."

After an extremely successful tour in the United States, the Streets of Afghanistan project returned to Afghanistan, to give the exhibit's subjects an opportunity to see themselves in a new light. Impressive and captivating on both sides of the world, Streets of Afghanistan collects both the photographs and the cultural import of a misunderstood region into one visually striking book.

Looking at the photographs, it is easy to immerse yourself in a culture which was previously unknown to many Western audiences. In the pages of this inspiring book, readers will find themselves being led through the beautiful vistas of Afghanistan, introduced to its people, and exposed to their joys and their sorrows — all through these incredible photographs.

Streets of Afghanistan is more than just a book or a photo album; it is an opportunity to expand your horizons and learn about our brothers across the world.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs