Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community [Hardcover]

Douglas Baynton (Author), Jack R. Gannon (Author), Jean Lindquist Bergey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2007

In 2001, the Smithsonian Institution presented the landmark photographic exhibition History Through Deaf Eyes, representing nearly 200 years of United States deaf history. Drawing heavily on the extensive archives at Gallaudet University, the curators created an exhibition that drew more than 400,000 people viewed at the Smithsonian and in 12 cities during a five-year national tour. Its popularity prompted the production of a documentary film for national broadcast on the Public Broadcasting System. Now, the photographs, quotes, and stories from this remarkable exhibit and documentary have been assembled in a book of stunning beauty and poignant images, Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community.

Featuring more than 200 full-color photographs, Through Deaf Eyes depicts the story of Deaf America and also affords readers the opportunity to learn about the nation’s broader history. The values and judgments of society have had an impact on the education, employment, and family life of deaf people, while historical eras often can be illuminated by examination through a Deaf lens. Photographs reveal the character of Deaf people in school settings, the workplace, during wartime, and using their cultural signature, American Sign Language. For both deaf and hearing readers, the Deaf community portrayed in Through Deaf Eyes offers a unique and fascinating perspective on the value of human difference.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School–This book is a companion to a public television documentary and a Smithsonian Institution exhibit. Most books about deafness revolve around Helen Keller; Deaf Eyes mentions her once, in relation to Alexander Graham Bell. He became a proponent of a philosophy that advocated the end of American Sign Language and warned against the dangers of a deaf race with deaf marrying deaf. Bell is not painted as a villain, but as an example of any outsider at odds with a minority that is trying to organize and grow stronger. Deafness cuts across all cultures, and the authors show how deaf people have had to fight to be recognized as intelligent and useful members of society. The photographs of individuals, schools, societies, and heroes bring their struggles and victories to life. This is the perfect resource for teens writing reports or those just wanting to learn about this condition that could affect anyone.–Will Marston, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Douglas Baynton is Associate Professor of History at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.

Jack R. Gannon is former Special Assistant for Advocacy to the president of Gallaudet University and is the curator of the History Through Deaf Eyes exhibition. He and his wife Rosalyn live in New Market, MD.

Jean Lindquist Bergey is the Director of the History Through Deaf Eyes Project at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Gallaudet University Press; 1st edition (April 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563683474
• ISBN-13: 978-1563683473
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #344,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Photographic Narrative of American Deaf History, May 17, 2007

By 

rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community (Hardcover)

What began as photographic exhibit at the Smithsonian from the archives of Gallaudet University evolved into the DVD by the same name as this companion book.

This is well done photo collection with written narrative of the 200 year story of deaf among us, with their accomplishments, frustrations and striving to be a part of the American mosaic.

They do pull it off, even against the obstacles of the oralism, and treatment as handicapped rather than language/cultural minority.

Worth having as companion with the DVD.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb and appreciated contribution to personal, academic, and community American History reference collections, September 2, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community (Hardcover)

The combined effort of Douglas C. Baynton (Associate Professor of History, University of Iowa), Jack R. Gannon (Curator of the History Through Deaf Eyes exhibition), and Jean Lindquist Borgey (Director of the History Through Deaf Eyes Project, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC), "Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History Of An American Community" is the companion volume to an acclaimed PBS television documentary based on a landmark photographic exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution in 2001 celebrating almost 200 years of United States Deaf History. The deaf have been a cultural and linguistic minority in America almost from its inception. The more than 200 photographs, the many quotes, and compelling stories compiled in "Through Deaf Eyes" provides the reader with informed and informative insights into a fascinating and specialized aspect of American history with respect to deaf people in school settings, the workplace, during wartime, the development and impact of American Sign Language, and more. "Through Deaf Eyes" is a superb and appreciated contribution to personal, academic, and community American History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Through Deaf Eyes:, June 27, 2007

By 

K.S. "K.S." (fl.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through Deaf Eyes: A Photographic History of an American Community (Hardcover)

What a wonderful, well put together book about Deaf History. I am a hearing person, who is taking American sign language. I have been reading many books on Deaf culture to get a better understanding about the deaf people over time,and the opsticals that they have had/ and still have to overcome. I found this book very well put together and I enjoyed reading it very much. If you are intrested in American sign language, I would recommend others to include this book into your library collection. The photos were wonderful to look as as well.