Russell Lee Photographs: Images from the Russell Lee Photograph Collection at the Center for American History

Russell Lee / Foreword by John Szarkowski / Introduction by J.B. Colson

ISBN 10: 0292714998 / ISBN 13: 9780292714991

Published by University of Texas Press, Austin, TX, 2007

About this Item

1st. Edition, 1st. Printing 2007, Black cloth hardcover with the dust jacket, 252 page book. Illustrated with Russel Lee ( 1903 - 1986 ) with full page black & white images my him over his many years . Also included is a slip note laid in from the editor Linda Peterson with correction on the errors on page 122, 126 & 128. Condition : Fine Size: 4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall.

Seller Inventory # 101525-Y

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Russell Lee Photographs: Images from the Russell Lee Photograph Collection at the Center for American History
• Publisher: University of Texas Press, Austin, TX
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0292714998
• ISBN 13: 9780292714991
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Russel Lee
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Book Type: Book
• Seller catalogs:
  • Photography / Art / Monograph / Documentary
  • Photography / History / Journalism

About this title

Synopsis

Russell Lee is widely acclaimed as one of the most outstanding documentary photographers of the twentieth century. His images of American life during the Great Depression, created for the Farm Security Administration between 1936 and 1942, hold a preeminent place in one of history's best-known and most useful photographic collections. This famous body of work demonstrates Lee's extraordinary ability to reveal the humanity of his subjects and to become a part of the communities he photographed. It also displays Lee's superior technical ability—his legendary skill in using a flash enabled Lee to create some of the finest candids in the history of photography.

Russell Lee Photographs is the first book to show the full range and quality of Lee's entire oeuvre beyond the FSA work, as well as the first major publication of his photographs since F. Jack Hurley's 1978 book, Russell Lee: Photographer (long out of print). The book contains over 140 images, 101 of which have never appeared in book publication. The photographs are grouped into suites of images that represent all of Lee's important, non-FSA subjects: early work from New York City and Woodstock; the Spanish-speaking people of Texas; the mentally and physically disabled; political campaigns, including the Kennedy-Johnson campaign of 1960; commercial work for chemical and other companies; a portfolio of images of Italy; and quintessential scenes of small-town life.

Setting Lee's images in context are a foreword by John Szarkowski, one of America's leading photography curators and critics, and an introduction by Lee's friend and fellow photography educator J. B. Colson, who offers fascinating personal insights into Lee's life and career.

Considering Russell Lee's stature in American photography, it is surprising that much of his post-FSA work is unknown to the public and has been seldom seen even in the photography community. By making these images readily available for the first time, this book gives long-overdue recognition to the full range and excellence of Lee's work. Russell Lee Photographs is the essential book on this major American photographer.

About the Author

John Szarkowski is former director of photography at the Museum of Modern Art and author of the classic work Looking at Photographs: 100 Pictures from the Collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

J. B. Colson is Professor Emeritus of Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.

The photographs were selected and arranged by Linda Peterson, Head of Photographic and Digital Archives at the Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin, which houses the Russell Lee Photograph Collection.