Photography has transformed the way we see the world, and this authoritative fifth edition tells the complete story of how it all began and where it's headed today. Naomi Rosenblum's classic work takes you on a journey through photography's fascinating evolution, examining how this young art form has shaped communication, art, and society over time.
This comprehensive volume goes beyond simple dates and technical developments to explore photography's diverse roles in human experience. You'll discover how photographers have used their craft for portraiture, documentation, advertising, and photojournalism, transforming the camera from a scientific instrument into a powerful means of personal artistic expression.
Featuring nearly nine hundred carefully selected images, this book presents both celebrated masters and lesser-known innovators in stimulating juxtapositions that reveal their visual power and influence. Each image has been chosen not just for its aesthetic quality but for its ability to illuminate the broader themes and historical contexts of photography's development.
The fifth edition brings this classic work fully up to date, reevaluating photography from the past several decades through a contemporary lens. International developments are covered in greater detail, and the complex universe of digital image-making is masterfully summarized and placed in its proper historical context.
Whether you're a student, educator, photography enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to understand the visual world around you, this indispensable resource includes a full apparatus with chronology, glossary, and annotated bibliography to support your journey through the fascinating history of photography.
