Algeria gained independence from France July 5, 1962 when the Evian accords were signed. The country had been fighting a war of independence, led by the National Liberation Front, since the 1950's. More than one million Algerian's were killed and over two million have been internally displaced. On December 26, 1991, the Algeria's first multi-party general election took place. The military intervened in the election for fear that the Islamic Salvation Front would win the election. Early February 1992 a state of emergency was declared and since that time it's believed that over 100,000 Algerian's have been killed in the eight years of civil strife. Michael Von Graffenried photography and story are timely and incredible because it captures a people who are tired of conflict and who are struggling to stay alive.

Many of us are born naked. But Mr. Graffenried shows us once again how nakedness can sell a book, or can it?

I just jumped in and read the review to this book on this page, and I have to say if you think the photographs in 'Naked in Paradise' are simply silly, then you really don't know anything about art. These photos are not made to sell, I'm very sorry for the reviewer who thinks so... Michael von Graffenried is a very fine photographer!

I've recently seen an exposition of some of Graffenried's photographies taken in the Swiss cantone of Jura and in Algeria. The pictures are amazing and so are those in the book 'Naked in Paradise'. By the way, I do not condemn an artist's ability to combine art and commerce but appreciate it.