W. Eugene Smith: Shadow and Substance : The Life and Work of an American Photographer [Hardcover]

Jim Hughes (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Smith raised the standards of photojournalism even as he clarified its purpose. Ranging from empathy to compassion to advocacy, his involvement with his subjects made for powerful images that often framed his viewers' very concepts. Best known as a LIFE magazine photographer in the Pacific during World War II, Smith also covered domestic and peacetime subjects with a strong eye to human suffering. The assistance offered Hughes by Smith's immediate family is most evident in the book's in-depth analysis of his battles with alcohol and self-doubt. Though surprisingly sparse, the photographs in this book effectively show the range of Smith's subjects. Recommended for academic, public, and museum libraries. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 5/1/89--David Bryant, Belleville P.L., N.J.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 606 pages
• Publisher: Jim Hughes (October 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070311234
• ISBN-13: 978-0070311237
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #266,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shadow and Substance, March 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: W. Eugene Smith: Shadow and Substance : The Life and Work of an American Photographer (Hardcover)

I would recommend the biography of W. Eugene Smith, Shadow and Substance: The Life and Work of an American Photographer to anyone interested in the life and times of this photographer. I felt that the author drew a picture of a driven, artist who had a sense of public right and wrong. From this book, I learned that whether or not he led a life that I would want my children to emulate, his sense of outrage towards social injustices were larger than his personal being. And, he presented his stories "up close" and personal. After reading the book, the photo essays became even more revolutionary and engaging. Smith becomes real. Enjoy.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars W.Eugene Smith Bio, January 9, 2007

By 

Paul Elliott "Film Guy" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: W. Eugene Smith: Shadow and Substance : The Life and Work of an American Photographer (Hardcover)

Book was received quickly and in better than expected condition. Fully satisfactory.