DEGIORGIS, Nicolo. Hidden Islam.

(Italy): Rorhof, 2014.  First edition.  Octavo.  88 pages.  Introduction by Martin Parr. There are 1.35 million Muslims in Italy and yet, officially, only five mosques in the whole country.  One consequence is that the Muslim population have accumulated a huge number of makeshift and temporary places of worship. These are housed in a variety of buildings including lock ups, garages, shops, warehouses and old factories. This shortage of places to worship is particularly acute in north east Italy – where the photographer Nicolò Degiorgis lives – home to many anti-Islamic campaigns headed by the right-wing party Lega Nord. The dull images of the many and diverse buildings that house the makeshift mosques are printed on folded pages. You open up the gatefold to reveal the scenes inside the mosques, shot in full colour. The size of the gatherings varies, from large crowds who sometimes pray outside to a small room full to bursting, or to intimate groups of two or three Muslims.  Degiorgis provides a fascinating glimpse of hidden world.  A near fine copy in dust jacket.  Signed by the photographer in pencil.  Now in its 3rd edition copies of the first printing are now sought after.  A super cool book.