Alison Gernsheim (1911–1969)

When I began teaching the history of photography, this was the most useful single book available. The writing is dense, but so is the information. I have about worn the book out. My copy is signed: Inscribed to Jim Colson with deep appreciation of his teaching. Helmut Gernsheim, Austin, May 1979.

Th 1970's saw the beginning of extensive photographic publications and of the undoing of the modernist critic base used by both Newhall and Gernsheim. As much as the field has advanced beyond their contributions, we owe them much gratitude for their hard work and the rich base of material they gave us.… (more)

A quick read, but this book is most essential because of the real photographs. The photographs range from 1840 to the 1910s. That was the main thing for me: Photographs. No drawings or illustrations. Tons of photographs of real people.

The only qualm I had while reading is that when a picture was referenced, I had to flip back to find it. Also, it would be nice if the photos were in order of year, but these are small things. The real photographs are both fascinating and stunning.

While I probably won't need to read through this book again, I'll be constantly going back to it to gaze and study the photographs. Essential to someone studying the period.… (more)