Pictures of the Times: A Century of Photography from The New York Times

by William Safire, Peter Galassi, Susan Kismaric

Selected from 17 million prints preserved in the archives of The New York Times , the spectacular photographs in this book provide a spellbinding sample from the rich archive that is the twentieth century, as seen through the eyes of a great newspaper. Revealed is the extraordinary and omnivorous breadth of photography's vivid pictures of both World Wars; of presidents, mayors, dictators and celebrities; of Beatles fans and Halley's comet; of victims and perpetrators, riots and disasters; of Bill Bradley on the court and Willie Mays sliding into home--and a great many more. Underlying them all is the gripping immediacy that makes news photography not only an indispensable presence in the daily paper but a vital part of history. This book includes an illustrated chronology that traces the evolution of the technology and business of news photography, with special attention to the role of The New York Times and to the recent rise of digital technologies in newspaper production. Originally published to accompany an exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

Genres: Photography, History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

About the author

William Lewis Safire was an American author, columnist, journalist and presidential speechwriter.

He was perhaps best known as a long-time syndicated political columnist for the New York Times and a regular contributor to "On Language" in the New York Times Magazine, a column on popular etymology, new or unusual usages, and other language-related topics.

Reviews

[Puja · Rating 4 out of 5]

the early century images are classic (even if completely boring to me) but about a third way through the images start showing more than the people in the image... but the time period, the emotions during that time, and the fear that is always surrounding us. includes many photos that are haunting and will last with you for a long time.

[Barb Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a mixed bag for me. Some of these photos are icons of photography...others although good photos....are of just typical run of the mill events in NYC . This book gets 3.5 stars from me.