Edward Steichen: Lives in Photography

by Todd Brandow, William A. Ewing, Edward Steichen (Photographer)

By far the most lavish, thoughtfully selected, and beautifully produced book of Steichen’s work. Edward Steichen (1879-1973) is unquestionably one of the most prolific, influential, and indeed controversial names in the history of photography. He was admired by many for his achievements as a fine-art photographer, while impressing countless others with the force of his commercial accomplishments. The influence of his legendary exhibition, The Family of Man , is still felt. This volume traces Steichen’s career trajectory from his Pictoralist beginnings to his time with Condé Nast through his directorship of photography at the Museum of Modern Art. Hundreds of his photographs are reproduced in stunning four-color to reveal the complexities and nuances of these black-and-white images. Essays from a range of scholars explore his most important subjects and weigh his legacy. Contributors include A. D. Coleman, Joanna T. Steichen, and Ronald Gedrim. With a full bibliography and chronology, this is the most complete and wide-ranging volume on Steichen ever published. 250 tinted and four-color photographs

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Owlseyes]

[Pete Hendley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big beautiful book. The photos are reproduced beautifully here. I highly recommend it!

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book full of excellent examples of Steichen's work. It's largely organized chronologically, with some great essays intermixed with collections of Steichen's images. The first section, Steichen as Symbolist, contains 4 essays and 2 groups of photographic plates, the first covering 1895-1914, and the second covering 1915-1922. This is the time period he met Alfred Stieglitz and worked with the journals Camera Notes and Camera Work. The next section, Steichen as Modernist, also contains 4 essays and 2 groups of photographic plates, the first covering 1922-1936 and the second covering 1940-1955. During this time he produced a lot more work in fashion and commercial/advertising photography. This is also when he put together The Family of Man exhibition. There is a final section, Lives in Photography, that contains a chronology, bibliography, various lists, and an index.

I love this book. It's a good sized book and feels hefty in the hands. The quality of the paper, binding, photographic reproductions, and essays is all top notch. Well worth it.

First reviewed on my blog, where I have a couple image samples.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtaking reproductions and fantastic and large sampling of Steichen's photography from all genres - includes many portraitures of well-known 19th & 20th century photographers and celebrities...for me, his pictorialist and modernism pictures were the most striking

[David McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

In full disclosure I rate this book without having read the text. Five stars for the photo reproductions.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it! waiting for part two- wish--