National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West: Capturing 125 Years of Majesty, Spirit, and Adventure

by James C. McNutt (Introduction), Rich Clarkson (Editor), James McNutt (Introduction)

The Wild West is perhaps the most enduring of American myths, but the reality is even more compelling. It's a magical place of extraordinary people, exciting events, and stunning scenery--big sky, wide-open spaces, epic grandeur, and pristine wilderness. National Geographic brings together award-winning photographers to capture this outsized land of majestic dimensions and emotive power. Unparalled images--some iconic, some rarely or never-before-seen--speak to the powerful forces of nature and culture at work in the West and showcase the region as never before.

Divided into four chapters--Legends, Encounters, Boundaries, and Visions--renowned National Geographic photography, past and present, brings the magic and the mystery of the American West alive through the best of its collection. From red-rock waves of stone to rugged snow-capped mountains, from ghost towns to prairie dog towns, from cowboys to wild horses, National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West captures it all in spectacular color photography augmented by periodic archival photographs. The photographs weave together a visual tapestry--complemented by informative captions--of this rich, varied, and enduring landscape that is the American West.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 2012

Reviews

[Giselle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a coffee table style book with wonderful photographs & comments on the subject matter. I looked at it many times before I returned it to the library 😊. As always National Geo did a great job.

[Jamie Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess the standout thing about this book is the variety of the photographs included. The limited text isn't bad, but naturally in a coffee table book it's the photos that sell the gig. Some of these are phenomenal--I would estimate a fourth or possibly a third. But I've never liked the fish-eye lense distortions, the grainy, stylized look or the general lack of clarity that so many 'Nat Geo' pictures feature. Yes, I love the magazine, but it isn't one of my go-to sources for absolutely breathtaking photos. All in all, this book is well worth a gander, but for me it isn't a keeper.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book accompanies and documents an exhibit of photographs from National Geographic archives. Most are in color but some date back to the days of black-and-white. They are grouped generally under the headings: Legends, Encounters, Boundaries, Visions.
Many images are available as prints and these are documented at the back, to be ordered online.
Gorgeous. Thought-provoking. Recommended.

[Zhifei Ge · Rating 3 out of 5]

A photo collection of the American West. But it's not great.

[Lisa Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed viewing the west through the landscape photos featured by National Geographic.