National Geographic Photographs: The Milestones (Hardcover)

~ Leah Bendavid Val (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

National Geographic has a trusted place in American life. Its photographs have always been its strength, yet gathering many of the best or most dazzling, as has been done here, could easily result in a collection of fragments--photos that try to explain cultures, peoples, and places without doing so. To get around this problem, the editors have come up with an interesting hook: showing us the tricks and techniques that are used to get startling images in remote locales. Not quite a photographic how-to, this is instead an appreciation of the effort it takes to achieve visual results under nearly impossible circumstances. In National Geographic, every village, market, mountain, and harbor can seem like a diorama in the cautious hands of gifted but not analytically daring photographers--an impression this book counters by giving its visuals context and risk. Libraries will buy this book because so many readers trust National Geographic, but it is less a means of exploring this incredibly fascinating globe than of taking a peek at the adventures and intelligence necessary to capture its nature, places, and people.
-David Bryant, New Canaan P.L., CT
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

The extraordinary history of National Geographic photography spare more than a hundred years and tens of thousands of unforgettable pictures, a history never before fully presented. Since January 1896, when the subtitle "An Illustrated Monthly" was first added to the magazine's masthead, the Geographic has maintained a tradition of photojournalistic excellence that continues to set new standards, both artistic and technical. With the publication of startlingly unique photographs from great explorations sponsored by the Society, such at Robert Peary's turn-of-the-century Arctic expeditions. Hiram Bingham's discovery of Machu Picchu, early panoramas of the American West by William Henry Jackson, Joseph Rock's rare scenes of inner China in the 1920s, the first bird's-eye views from stratospheric balloons, and never-before-seen images from the earliest voyages beneath the sea, the National Geographic has been at the forefront of presenting the world in all its magnificent variety.

Now, on the brink of the 21st century, six authors in the field of photography -- respected curators, award-winning writers, distinguished university professors -- have been asked to discuss what they regard as the significant accomplishments of National Geographic and place them within the greater context of the history of photography. Era by era, these experts offer invaluable analysis and fascinating commentary on the pivotal role played by the Geographic in the development of this very special kind of photojournalism. To make their points, these experts have assembled a wonderfully varied representation of great photographs from the Society archives -- many previously unpublished -- and they further highlight important historical developments in special portfolios devoted to the milestones et each period: from the magazine's first color photographs in 1910 to the first color underwater pictures in 1927 to the cutting-edge technologies of today and the issues they present, and more.

For generations, National Geographic's commitment to a groundbreaking blend of stunning, innovative photography and informative, engaging text has consistently delivered the irresistible attractions of this astonishing world into the eager imagination of armchair travelers everywhere.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; Gift edition (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792275209
• ISBN-13: 978-0792275206
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 11.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #598,551 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NG Does it again!, April 4, 2000

By	M. Hannon "imveiled" (denver) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of my favorite things about National Geographic has always been the photos and this book is no exception. It is filled with a beautiful photos that span many years and great changes and advancements in photography. I devoured this book, photos only, in an evening at the local bookshop. When I am looking for a relaxing evening I can think of nothing better than to have a National Geographic magazine or collection of photos to pour over.