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The Family of Children
A wonderful photographic collection based on the design and theme of its forerunner, "The Family of Man". Large 8.5x11" Paperback.
- GenresPhotographyNonfictionArt
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
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March 27, 2022This collection is the 1977 follow up to the earlier books (and exhibitions) The Family of Man and The Family of Woman, curated by Edward Steichen. Actually I'm not sure if Steichen was involved in The Family of Woman or if there was an exhibition associated with that collection; this volume is dedicated to him.
The photographs are arranged in themes ranging from stage of life (infancy, etc) to universal exeriences (joy, suffering etc). There are beautiful quotes that touch on each theme, mostly from poets/writers like Yeats, Blake, Auden, Roethke. The only women I recall seeing here are Dickinson and Jean Rhys. Oh, Gertrude Stein. There are Native American expressions throughout, and Bible excerpts, but I'm not sure I saw any other ethnicities or cultures represented-- this is jarring to the 2022 reader. The photos are far more inclusive, from countries and cultures all over the world. There are more USA photos than any other country, but the representation is more balanced. I noticed that while almost all countries are identified only by nation, there were a few entitled Harlem. Not sure what to make of that. Photographers represented include Mary Ellen Mark, Emmet Gowin, W. Eugene Smith and a host of names I do not recognize-- some so perceptive and/or beautiful that I will look them up to see more work. Few photographers have more than one entry, maybe two. One other note is that Mason says this book was made in conjunction with the 1977 Unicef Year of the Child. It is sobering to think how far the world has to go to make life sweet for most children.
I've written and said this more times than anyone cares to hear, but there is something so immersive about spending time with a book of images-- photos, paintings-- it can't compare to the laptop screen.
The photographs are arranged in themes ranging from stage of life (infancy, etc) to universal exeriences (joy, suffering etc). There are beautiful quotes that touch on each theme, mostly from poets/writers like Yeats, Blake, Auden, Roethke. The only women I recall seeing here are Dickinson and Jean Rhys. Oh, Gertrude Stein. There are Native American expressions throughout, and Bible excerpts, but I'm not sure I saw any other ethnicities or cultures represented-- this is jarring to the 2022 reader. The photos are far more inclusive, from countries and cultures all over the world. There are more USA photos than any other country, but the representation is more balanced. I noticed that while almost all countries are identified only by nation, there were a few entitled Harlem. Not sure what to make of that. Photographers represented include Mary Ellen Mark, Emmet Gowin, W. Eugene Smith and a host of names I do not recognize-- some so perceptive and/or beautiful that I will look them up to see more work. Few photographers have more than one entry, maybe two. One other note is that Mason says this book was made in conjunction with the 1977 Unicef Year of the Child. It is sobering to think how far the world has to go to make life sweet for most children.
I've written and said this more times than anyone cares to hear, but there is something so immersive about spending time with a book of images-- photos, paintings-- it can't compare to the laptop screen.
March 13, 2025
On my bookshelf is a large, hardback book I bought in 1977 that is a collection of black and white photos of children from around the world. I bought the book because I am an early childhood educator and the United Nations and UNICEF were celebrating "The Year of the Child." The author and editor, Jerry Mason, published the book based on photographer/artist Edward Steichen's exhibition of images from photographers who sent in 300,000 images of children. 377 photographs taken by 218 photographers in 70 countries show the circle of universality from birth to birth of the next generation. The circle shows meaningful moments and emotions of growing up, play, schools, games, religion, music, work, war, death and new life.
This book was controversial at the time because nudity, violence and despair is shown along with joy, celebration and rights of passage. Perhaps my favorite parts of the book are the quotes from famous writers that accurately reflect the emotions exposed. Carl Sandburg said, "There is only one child in the world and the child's name is All Children."
This book was controversial at the time because nudity, violence and despair is shown along with joy, celebration and rights of passage. Perhaps my favorite parts of the book are the quotes from famous writers that accurately reflect the emotions exposed. Carl Sandburg said, "There is only one child in the world and the child's name is All Children."
April 21, 2019
Beautiful pics of children living life!
January 21, 2013
A truly remarkable photo essay about children of the world!
November 23, 2016
Completely beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews