Symbols of Ideal Life: Social Documentary Photography in America 1890-1950 - Softcover

Stange, Maren

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521424291 ISBN 13: 9780521424295

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1992

Synopsis

The documentary style that dominates American photography had its origins in the social reform publicity campaigns of the turn of the century. This book traces the history of this genre and its main participants, including Jacob Riis, Lewis Hine, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Ben Shahn, and Russell Lee.

About this title

Book Description:

'... Symbols of Ideal Life is an important contribution to our understanding of the evolution of the documentary style in photography.' Art Journal

From Library Journal:

Photography as a tool for social reform is Stange's topic. But though the power of the pictures she has selected is clear, she explains their value as social motivators in a complex, even leaden prose apparently intended for an academic audience. As a result, the relation of the images of human suffering produced by Jacob Riis, Lewis Hine, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Ben Shahn, Russell Lee, et al. to viewers' response never comes alive. A pity, for this subject deserves a wider circle of readers who would expect the tight connection between disturbing image and collective response to be broadened rather than concealed in dense text. For academic libraries.
- David Bryant, Belleville
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0521424291
• ISBN 13: 9780521424295
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208