A History of Photography. From 1839 to the Present

Good value - good price.

There is another book, The History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present:, that covers the same topic and quite confusingly bears an almost identical title. However, that book, originally written by Beaumont Newhall in 1982 and since revised and updated several times, is considered by most to be the definitive volume. If there is ever a need by a writer or student to clarify some details of photographic history, it is likely to be Newhall to which they will refer.This is a very different book. Its pages are smaller but there are more than twice the number of Newhall's. It isn't as formally arranged as that is but there is a far greater number and variety of images within its pages, including a rarely seen Edward Weston Kodachrome slide, and a greater use of colour, generally.This is a more modern book in every sense. First published in 1999 and this revision in 2011, it allows digital photography to dip its proverbial toe into the waters. However the book is based upon much of the imagery contained within the Eastman House Collection, as is indicated on its cover, and there may not have been any digitally-originated images in the Collection at that time. In 1999, it was still a little-used technology and employed modified standard cameras with heavy digital backs and very bulky battery packs - the combinations were extraordinarily expensive - that would have severely restricted the areas of use. Film still then reigned supreme.Because this is a more user-friendly book, without the academic approach of Newhall's, this is probably the better choice of the two for the general reader. With its greater use of imagery, and a wider selection of photographers covered, although necessarily briefly, it will also be more interesting to a wider audience.As with all Taschen titles, its production values are high and the printing about as good as you will find. They also offer excellent value for money. In any event, this remains available at a discounted price as a 25th Anniversary of Taschen promotion.For its friendly approach and good all-round coverage, I recommend this very highly.

Following extensive spinal surgery, during the recovery phase, I rediscovered my love of art and the history of art. I already owned a few Taschen volumes but decided to build my collection. Buying used on Amazon is a great way to make this somewhat more affordable. I even found a few new titles selling cheaper than the used one on eBay. If you love high quality books, love art, love reading about art movements and artists across all genres - these Taschen books are hard to beat.

My journey continues into the realm of photography. Earlier this week I took delivery of what could be considered a social history book 1001 Photographs You Must See Before You Die and today the doorbell rang for A History of Photography which concentrates on the production of a particular image in a particular context.The striving for originality contesting with its own history. Names and ideas, tricks and postures. Colour and without. The Business of Photography as well as the business of photography. Maybe too many mentions of the Eastman House but what do I know.Of course creating ‘art’ creates its own groupings. I’m also new to Flickr last week and note how the photographs ‘chosen’ to go on Explore are numbers driven. The idea of brilliance out of crowd is not something the art world ever considers except disparagingly. The roll call of photographs disappointingly average even if technically excellent.My photograph uploaded joins in the art angle of photography. Or not. I’ll call it ‘Slice Art.’

this book is such a great addition to my photographic book collection, it adds so much history on the subject. It is concise, comprehensive and above all a really great manageable sized. Written intelligently , not just a "coffee table" volume. A welcome addition for anyone who has a real passion for the subject, I can envisage this becoming my reference book of choice. To learn more of the history, just as the title says.Such amazing value for money. Thank you Taschen/George Eastman.

Quite the tome this book. Thorough from first glance and should help greatly with coursework. It's very comprehensively written but easy to read.

Purchased as a Christmas presentReally interesting and beautiful bookIf you enjoy photography and art, this is the book for you