From Library Journal
This is not a how-to book, as the title might suggest, but a brief overview of the history of photography that discusses the major trends and technical processes involved with documentary and art photography. Yorath (photography, Northbrook Coll., Sussex, UK) here presents an interesting graphic layout and a humorous "For Dummies"-like style. He also provides some compelling discussions of the political and controversial aspects of the photograph. The book, however, lacks the material that one would expect to find in an introductory work. Several major photographers are mentioned only briefly, with no examples of their photographs. While a useful glossary is included, the index is incomplete. Finally, the book does not benefit from a bizarre cartoon time line that has no real purpose or relevance to the text. Naomi Rosenblum's A World History of Photography (Abbeville Pr., 1997. 3d ed.) is a better choice as an overview of the history of photography. Not recommended.AEric Linderman, East Cleveland P.L., OH
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
David Yorath, a specialist in contemporary European and American landscape photography, teaches photography and media studies at Northbrook College in Sussex, England.
