Shadow Catcher: How Edward S. Curtis Documented American Indian Dignity and Beauty

Captured History

by Michael Burgan

At the turn of the 20th century, photographer Edward S. Curtis devoted his life to learning all he could about American Indians and sharing it with world. He took his first photo of an American Indian in 1895, and for the next 30 years he traveled the West and north to Alaska to chronicle traditional native culture. The result was a magnificentand controversial20-volume project, The North American Indian. While some scholars and American Indians found fault with the work Curtis published, many others greatly appreciated it. His grand endeavor was nearly forgotten when he died in 1952, but Curtis rediscovered photographs are now recognized as treasures that will live forever.

Genres: History, Photography, Art, Picture Books, Social Justice, Nonfiction

64 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Katherine McCarthy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yes, this is supposed to be a short book and a rather light survey of Edward Curtis and his work. But as the subtitle would suggest, the work as a whole is incredibly biased to an almost inappropriate degree. Anyone who would like to actually learn about Curtis' photography will be far better off reading some actual scholarship on his work, because it is seen as considerably problematic yet according to this work it is a gift and an honor to the nation and native peoples. It refuses to acknowledge how he manipulated images to make them more "Indian," documenting a romanticized view that perpetuated stereotypes to make money. He did not, as this book would lead you to believe, capture raw, authentic images to preserve a people and a culture, but made images to make money, potentially damaging but certainly manipulating the record of those people. Really disappointed by the vapid writing and complete disregard for complex thought or any scholarship in this text.

[Carrie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fan of the "Captured History" series!!! And this book definitely keeps up that great tradition!

I learned so much from this book that I didn't know. It does an excellent job of giving some background on Edward S. Curtis and how he got into photography, his "Cause," his photographs and style, his challenges and successes, and what critics have to say about his work. There is just so much information here, but presented in a clear, easily understood, well-organized format.

This book would be great to use (at least the photographs, if nothing else) during lessons on Native Americans, their history, and the perception of "the white man." It would also work well while reading "The Things They Carried" because it, too, addresses the idea of can something be "true" without being "real" - an idea that never ceases to intrigue me!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of the life and work of Edward S. Curtis for children rates 5 stars for the ease of understanding Curtis' early interest in photography, and his eventual determination to document
the disappearing tribes of Native Americans. His great success, along with his constant struggle to
find financial backing were explained in an uncomplicated way that children can understand. A timeline, glossary, and list of additional books to read made this a fine addition to a young person's understanding of this great American and his efforts to bring the plight of Native American people to light.

[Wesley Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A meaningful and complete picture of Edward Curtis and his epic journey to study, understand, and record the plight and disappearance of the North American Indian during a time when that was the least fashionable or acceptable thing to do. This was a truly amazing man.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful narrative of one man's attempt to document the Native American Indian's culture, way of life, and identity. The photographs are absolutely stunning.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

sad to see how poorly he was treated as he invested his life in saving the native American experience before it became entirely extinct.

[Mary Letterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward Curtis was a driven photographer who recorded the life of Native American at the turn of the century. This title, appropriate for upper elementary through adult, does an excellent job capturing his career. The books illustrations enhance the text allowing the readers to experience the time line of Curtis' life.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light take on a hard chapter to read/think.