Shadow Catcher: The Life and Work of Edward S. Curtis

by Laurie Lawlor

A collection of black-and-white Native American photographs accompanies the thirty-year journey of an anthropologist and photographer who sacrificed his family, finances, and health to preserve the remnants of Native American culture.

Genres: History, Contemporary

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Laurie Lawlor grew up in a family enamored with the theater. Along with her five brothers and sisters she spent summers in a summer stock repertory company in a small mountain town in Colorado that was run by their mother (costumer, cook, accountant, and resident psychiatrist) and their father (artistic director).

Reviews

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, with fast-moving biography of the great photographer's life, and some of his beautiful and often illuminating photographs, but this is barely a sip at his work. A nice book for beginning with, but there are others that are far more detailed.

I hadn't realized that this was a YA book, and as such it's a very good one, crisp prose, good pix, and quick to finish. Recommended for YA who are interested in American history and/or history of photography and/or Victorian/Edwardian anthropology as re. American Indian populations. Not at all technical, though rather informative in spots.

NOTE: There is currently a new book out that utilizes almost the same title (SHORT NIGHTS OF THE SHADOW CATCHER) but is an adult history, authored by Timothy Egan, isbn
0618969020

[Sarah Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read of the work and life of a photographer who's life was one of extreme adventure and loss.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent review of Edward S. Curtis - the famed photographer of Native Americans . This book tells of his life, determination , passion in capturing these fleeting images of Native Americans. What a gift to future generations and what a sacrifice that Curtis made to complete his project.

[Mad Leon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book chronicles the life of Edward Curtis as he photographs the American Indians. No big surprises and the photos are not my favorites but if you have never heard of Curtis it's a beginning.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Curtis' life and devotion to his works on Native Americans is very interesting and admirable! I find his photos to be fascinating and would love to see many more of them.

"Curtis respected the Indians he encountered and was willing to learn about their culture, religion, and way of life. "I said we not you" Curtis once explained. "I never worked at them, I worked with them."

"These people must die out-- there is no help for them," declared journalist Horace Greeley

"The passing of every old man or woman means the passing of some tradition, some knowledge of sacred rites possessed by no other, Curtis insisted. The information that is to be gathered for the benefit of future generations, respecting the mode of life of one of the great races of mankind, must be collected at once or the opportunity will be lost for all time."

"The principal outdoor sport of the settlers during the 1850's and 60's seemingly was the killing of the Indians, Curtis wrote...There is nothing else in the history of the United States which approaches the brutal treatment of the California tribes."

[Megan Baynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Potentially over sentimentalised, but a great read.