Customer Reviews

Classic Essays on Photography

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although Trachtenberg's collection has been around for awhile (since 1980), it provides a very nice selection of primary source materials on the history of photography. If you want to know what people were actually thinking and saying about photography during its first 140 years or so, you can find it here. In addition, Trachtenberg's introductions to the selections are quite good--not showy or promoting some particular intellectual hobby horse, but solid and factual and useful to students--I've been studying the topic for years and have found very few factual errors or questionable judgments in his material. The main limitation is that the book stops in the 1970s, so, for my course in history of photography I have to provide additional materials for the recent developments, such as digital photography and the relations between photography and computing and the internet. The only other common item somewhat like this is Goldberg's "Photography in Print," which costs twice as much and, although it is more complete, is not twice as good, at least for the purposes of students in a first course in history of photography. My students can pick up a copy of Trachtenberg for a few dollars used, not much more new, and they've responded well to the selection of readings. Some minor downsides: there is no index, and the individual readings don't give the date of publication (though this is generally available in the "Sources" section at the end of the book). In short, within its limitations, this is an excellent source book, and a bargain in an age of obscene textbook pricing.

All photographers should read this book once. Starts with Daguerre. Mostly crit and theory by the artists themselves. Very good selection, enjoyable reading, goes fast. Should be required reading in every art school that teaches photography. Not for advanced theorists-it's an introduction to photo theory and crit-but it's a good one!

It's a classical collection helpful not only to the people who are associated with world of photography but also to the social science and visual anthropology.

Just happened to have this collection of essays when I needed source material for an essay I was writing. Highly informative.

Book is outdated by 10 years. Focus is primarily for social causes and the like. Spot news etc. Good entry level book for those wanting to work at a TV station. Would not recommend this book at all. Photo Journalism is constantly changing, this book is bias.

The book came as it was described on the description post. Great deal and thank you. Will be doing business w/this seller again, if they have what I need. Shipping was fast,great, and I didn't expect it.... as Labor Day Holiday was here...and still the book came.......and as it was described on the post.... Thanks and awesome seller....as the seller didn't...Fib...as others do! Great price also...!!!!!!.....and will be doing business again w/seller! Great price, awesome product...and good communication between seller and consumer!

Thanks once again and will be doing business w/u...if I need other items again!

Stay blessed!....