In Search of the Corn Queen [Paperback]

Greta Pratt (Author), Merry A. Foreseta (Introduction), Steve Dietz (Introduction), Karal Ann Marling (Foreword), Steve Doetz (Author), Merry A. Forseta (Author)

Book Description

Series: American Scene | Publication Date: 1994

Greta Pratt returns to the county fairs of her childhood to present a vision of Midwest communities largely unfamiliar to millions of American urban dwellers. For three summers she traveled the Midwest chronicling the life of the region—parades of civic pride, displays of exemplary harvests, and prizewinning heifers, beauty pageants, old-timer reunions, and annual storefront festivals. In her essay renowned cultural historian Karal Ann Marling provides fascinating insights into Pratt’s photos of county fair rituals and the regional cultures that inspire these gatherings. Together Pratt and Marling transport the reader to a place where prize-winning hogs, tap-dancing children, flag waving, and mouth-watering apple pie are once again the national pastimes.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In the general introduction to these first two books in the National Museum of American Art's new series, "American Scene," the series editor and series curator express a hope to "present the evolving portrait of America" in a time when "the myth of the 'melting pot' has given way to a social fabric woven into a 'coat of many colors.' " While that noble dream is well on its way to being realized here, the reality still does not quite feel like art. The work of Bernice Abbott and Robert Frank, referred to in the introduction, provides insights into American life but is also characterized by a particular way of seeing. These books have less the effect of art than of photojournalism-though perhaps the best sort, one encouraging contemplation rather than sensationalism. Unfortunately, the problem lies largely in the nature of series, the constraints of size and format and introduction, which here places as much weight on the editors' vision as the individual photographer's ability to see. That said, these are nonetheless valuable documents of today's middle America, by turns pleasant and disturbing, honest, and mythical. Pratt focuses on the county fairs of the Midwest, the traditions they maintain, and, most importantly, the people who attend them. Arndt photographs men, mostly working class, mostly in crumbling cities, establishing a sense of unity among his subjects that makes it the more successful of the books. In these two multiple-image portraits, public libraries will find a moving record of fading people and their traditions.
Eric Bryant, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Greta Pratt's extraordinary photographs capture with beautiful precision the people of rural America. -- Howard Zinn, January 2005

"Pratt's pictures amuse without indulging any condescending mockery. This is solid work, highly recommended." -- Booklist, April 1995

"[Pratts photographs are] valuable documents of today's middle America, by turns pleasant and disturbing, honest, and mythical. -- Eric Bryant, Library Journal, February 1, 1995

Pratt photos monumentalize these small town icons placing them right in the middle of the intersection between nostalgia and reality." -- City Pages

Pratt's photos monumentalize these small town icons placing them right in the middle of the intersection between nostalgia and reality." -- City Pages, October 6, 1994

Pratt's pictures amuse without indulging any condescending mockery. This is solid work, highly recommended." -- Booklist, April 1995

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Distributed Art Pub Inc (Dap) (1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1881616185
• ISBN-13: 978-1881616184
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,917,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)