West Point

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Lippman's glowing photographs of the U.S. Military Academy are day-lit. Foliage and grass appear light gray to stark white in tone, and in almost every shot, the atmosphere is a radiant haze. The book follows a year at West Point, from the summer induction of new cadets to the spring graduation of first class cadets, and Lippman depicts its outdoor activities: basic training, sports, field training, company formation, graduation. Besides their glow and shimmering visual texture, these pictures are generally monumentally composed, with large masses of light and darkness dramatically abutting one another and bold lines assertively slashing over backgrounds. The youth, taut figures, and flashing teeth of the cadets in them ward off portentousness, however, so that this photographic monument to the 200-year-old institution is a lambent dream rather than a glaring spectacle. Ray Olson
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The publication of these two volumes coincides with the 200th anniversary of the founding of West Point in March 2002. The first is a brief history and a companion to the PBS special to air in March, while the second is a photographic essay on student life at the academy. Executive producer Grant and historians James Lynch and Ronald Bailey have written an excellent short history of the academy. They emphasize the contributions of superintendents Alden Partridge, Sylvanus Thayer, Robert E. Lee, and Douglas MacArthur, spicing the text with well-chosen reproductions of historical artifacts, photographs, drawings, and paintings. Also covered are the hazing scandals, interracial problems, and the violations of the honor code. (The football scandals of the 1950s are not mentioned, however.) The authors stress that the current excellence of the academic program is based on the continual emphasis on mathematics and the physical sciences. Internationally known photographer Lippman (Bali Journal) spent over a year at the academy as an artist in residence. Her black-and-white photographs vividly portray cadet life, parades, maneuvers, and athletic pursuits. Excellent composition and an emphasis on contrast have created the most beautiful book ever devoted to life at West Point. West Point graduate and author Salter (Burning the Days: A Recollection) contributes a brief narrative. The PBS companion is recommended for all libraries seeking an excellent short history of West Point. Lippman's photographic essay would be a welcome addition to libraries housing large art collections. Richard Nowicki, Emerson Vocational High (ret.), Buffalo, NY
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