Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This huge, expensive book is an appropriate tribute to 150 years of photography.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

This sumptuously illustrated survey, which accompanies an exhibition organized jointly by Houston's Museum of Fine Arts and London's Royal Academy of Arts, is one among many celebrations of the 150th anniversary of photography. Displaying works lent by 66 private and public collections around the world, the survey emphasizes the art of portrait, still life, landscape, documentary, and fashion photography. Fifteen chapters organized by genre or stylistic school highlight the finest work of 96 well-known early and modern practitioners and include a fine mix of familiar and unfamiliar works. The images are complemented by a carefully chosen selection of classic 19th- and 20th-century essays on photography, plus new commentary by both collectors and curators. Though there are some curious omissions--no Ansel Adams, and few women photographers--the book is still highly recommended.-- Kathleen Collins, Great Barrington, Mass. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

The catalog of an exhibition that traveled to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Australian National Gallery, and the Royal Academy of Arts, London. Although many respected individuals were involved in advising and assisting on this project, the major force behind the concept and selection of images was a prominent art photography dealer. Therefore some questions are raised as to the inclusion and exclusion of certain photographers. In 15 chapters of photographs introduced by well-written essays from contemporary individuals, the book successfully illustrates three interpretations of photography as art: photography made in the tradition of painting, photography as a means of recording and describing, and photography as a means of exploring its own unique and inherent characteristics. Also included in each chapter is a short essay or excerpt (from photographers, critics, etc.) of the era or style under discussion. This showpiece book, beautifully bound and printed with fine quality reproductions, both black and white and color, includes a glossary, artists' biographies, a list of exhibition photographs, and a select bibliography. However, it should not be considered a definitive overview or survey. -P. Laytin, Fitchburg State College

Booklist Review

The exhibition cataloged by this massive tome has already left American soil after an all-too-brief residence in Houston. Both show and book commemorate the one-hundred-fiftieth anniversary of the announcement of the daguerre~otype. Three modes of photo~graphy are represented: photo~graphy made in the tradition of painting (emphasizing form, composition, manipulation of elements, etc.); photo~graphy as documentation; and photo~graphy exploiting the medium's unique qualities. The three modes often overlap in a single image and in each of the 15 chapters, written by one of several experts, on particular historical periods or topics. Chapter texts, which also include extracts from the writings of the photo~graphers covered, are succinct. The lion's share of the pages are given to fine reproductions of 462 pictures by 95 single and partner artists--from pioneers Daguerre and Fox Talbot to modern arch-manipulators of the medium such as Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol. The result is an expensive but eminently worthwhile addition to photo~graphy collections. Chronology, glossary, artist biographies, select bibliography. --Ray Olson