Reading American Photographs: Images as History: Mathew Brady to Walker Evans

by Alan Trachtenberg

Winner of the Charles C. Eldredge Prize

In this book, Alan Trachtenberg reinterprets some of America's most significant photographs, presenting them not as static images but rather as rich cultural texts suffused with meaning and historical content. Reading American Photographs is lavishly illustrated with the work of such luminaries as Mathew Brady, Timothy O'Sullivan, and Walker Evans--pictures that document the American experience from 1839 to 1938. In an outstanding analysis, Trachtenberg eloquently articulates how the art of photography has both followed and shaped the course of American history, and how images captured decades ago provocatively illuminate the present.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction, History, Academic, Art History

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Alan Trachtenberg was Neil Gray, Jr., Professor Emeritus of English and American Studies at Yale University.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Reading American Photographs is not about "photography" as such--not about images or techniques--but about "reading" photographs as cultural events. The photographs Trachtenberg considers are much more than simple depiction; they provide a remarkable opportunity to observe culture at work.

I completely agree with the first two opening lines on the book jacket. "Reading American Photographs" was fascinating because it show how much photography can shape and evolve our perception of events, locations, and people. The author is also careful to note how the absence of photographs can shape our perception as well.

For example, the Civil War was the first war in which photography was used, and it's telling that amongst both sides, slaves or freed black soldiers were rarely depicted. When they were, it was almost always in a position of subservience to the Union soldiers, and never in a heroic moment.

There are five sections of this book: the beginning of American photography, the Civil War period, the Western exploration and landscape photography of the late 19th century, turn-of-the-century social photography, and Depression-era photography.

The book is *not* a quick read; there's a great deal of information packed into 290 pages, and to be honest, if it had been 800 pages, I would have saved reading it for a time when I had a week solid to devote to it. But it's worth reading, and I'm very glad I did.

A couple of sample passages/descriptions from the book:

"In 1899, three years after [Mathew:] Brady's death, Alfred Stieglitz announced that something new had appeared in photography--a desire to make art rather than mere photographs.

On page 208, there is a picture with the caption, "Sadie Pfeifer, 48 inches tall, age not known, has worked half a year. She is one of the many small children at work in the Lancaster cotton mills, Lancaster, S.C., November 1908., Lewis Hine". The girl is completely focused on the cotton spindles in front of her, and it breaks your heart. The only record that we have of sweatshop child labor is through these pictures, and for that reason alone, I'd recommend this book.

In On Native Grounds, in 1942, the young Alfred Kazin (he was twenty seven at the time) spoke of a welling-up among writers and artists of an urge "to recover America as an idea."

Tractenberg's book isn't just about photography; it's a reminder of how cyclical history can be.

Last but not least, the pictures themselves are fascinating. In the Depression-era candid photographs, it was amazing to see the differences and similarities to modern-life culture. One *huge* difference is on page 273, in a picture titled "Posed Portraits: New York, 1931" by Walker Evans. A restaurant worker is standing next to a man in laborer clothes in front of a menu-board. The prices read:
Western Sandwich - 20 cents
Ham & Egg Sandwich - 15 cents
Hamburger Sandwich - 10 cents

It's a tiny detail of the picture, but it was a vivid reminder of how much things have changed.

[Ward Rosin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sometimes dense discussion of the intersection of photo history and American history that really hits its stride during the discussion of Matthew Brady and the American Civil War. Beyond that, the somewhat thick analysis and his apparent lack of depth in the later work presents sometimes leaves your mind wandering. A worthy read for both American- and photo-history buffs.

[Ryan Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work offers a comprehensive overview of American photography from the Antebellum period up until the Great Depression

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alan Trachtenberg takes readers through the first 100 years of photography from Brady and the daguerreotype to Evans’ portrayal of American society in the early 20th century. By featuring the specific works, compilations, artistry, and themes of each era and photographer, Trachtenberg demonstrates how the photograph can be seen as more than what the lens depicts. Applying his rich literary background and talent, he illustrates how the camera has been employed overtime to produce a distinct cultural construct of interpretation, or reading, of American society. Such a perspective, he explains, helps to create an understanding and relationship with the past for those who come later looking to make sense of present realities.

[Noelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was also required for my History of American Photography class. Some aspects I enjoyed was the photographs being included and the historic progression. I felt it took a very liberal stance which often bordered Communistic however I know that it broadened my knowledge of the history, time frame, and issues in photography.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really into this book back when I first read it in the early 90s ... I wonder if I would still like it as much?

[Cecelia]

Surprisingly interesting and informative.

[Lakulin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent - a must-read!

[Hao Hu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book