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Snapshots and Short Notes: Images and Messages of Early Twentieth-Century Photo Postcards
Snapshots and Short Notes examines the photographic postcards exchanged during the first half of the twentieth century as illustrated, first-hand accounts of American life. Almost immediately after the introduction of the generic postcard at the turn of the century, innovations in small, accessible cameras added black and white photographs to the cards. The resulting combination of image and text emerged as a communication device tantamount to social media today. Postcard messages and photographs tell the stories of ordinary lives during a time of far-reaching technological, demographic, and social a family’s new combine harvester that could cut 40 acres a day; a young woman trying to find work in a man’s world; the sight of an airplane in flight. However, postcards also chronicled and shared hardship and tragedy—the glaring reality of homesteading on the High Plains, natural disasters, preparations for war, and the struggles for racial and gender equality. With a meticulous eye for detail, painstaking research, and astute commentary, Wilson surveys more than 160 photographic postcards, reproduced in full color, that provide insights into every aspect of life in a time not far removed from our own.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published August 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 27, 2020
As most historians know, nothing is more precious to understanding our pasts than unfiltered firsthand accounts of the time. People let down their guards in diaries, postcards, and letters. Postcards themselves provide snapshots of what was considered noteworthy at the time. This book is a treasure trove of social history. The collection is vast and varied, and it is sure to provide entertainment to anyone even mildly interested in the past. It’s like browsing postcards in an antique shop, with the advantage of someone else having done the hard work of searching for them!
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
December 3, 2020
An absorbing insight into life in early twentieth century America through the medium of postcards. Divided into two main parts, the author begins with part 1: 'The Postcard', which explains the evolution of the picture postcard. Part 2, 'Pictures and Voices', is made up of twenty chapters, each under a separate heading and topic. There are images of many original postcards alongside messages from the sender. The author analyses these and puts into context. They make really engrossing reading and are a wonderful glimpse into the past. Made me think I need to write more postcards! Thank you to Kenneth Wilson, Net Galley and University of North Texas Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2020
Snapshots and Short Notes: Images and Messages of Early Twentieth-Century Photo Postcards by Kenneth Wilson is a fascinating look at a relatively short period of time when photo postcards were very popular.
This collection of images as well as the wonderful history surrounding the photo postcard (and the postcard in general) is both entertaining and eye-opening. I will touch on the entertaining part first. These cards give us a glimpse into both individual lives and the country's history, and particularly how they entwine. If you like looking at old photographs, you'll love the images reproduced here. If the history of cultural items interest you, you'll find the short history to be a great read. If you're like me you'll get a lot of enjoyment from both.
The eye-opening part is more involved. On a personal level, I had run across a few postcards when doing archival research back in the day. I never really considered them as items worthy of their own study, my interest was entirely about what, if anything, the notes and dates might tell me about the person I was researching. The study of these cards as a broader source of historical information makes perfect sense but I just did not recognize it. The other, less positive note, is how openly and willingly people would share racist and bigoted images without thinking twice. That wouldn't happen today nearly as often, except among Trump supporters, who would claim either ignorance or "culture." For the rest of us, it is a wake-up call that there has never really been a "good old days."
I would recommend this to both casual history buffs who enjoy the intersection of popular culture and history as well as those who might simply be more interested in the objects as objects. The images are wonderful and are accompanied by short explanations of what and where, at least to the extent that is known. It is also fun to just ponder the possible meanings as well.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This collection of images as well as the wonderful history surrounding the photo postcard (and the postcard in general) is both entertaining and eye-opening. I will touch on the entertaining part first. These cards give us a glimpse into both individual lives and the country's history, and particularly how they entwine. If you like looking at old photographs, you'll love the images reproduced here. If the history of cultural items interest you, you'll find the short history to be a great read. If you're like me you'll get a lot of enjoyment from both.
The eye-opening part is more involved. On a personal level, I had run across a few postcards when doing archival research back in the day. I never really considered them as items worthy of their own study, my interest was entirely about what, if anything, the notes and dates might tell me about the person I was researching. The study of these cards as a broader source of historical information makes perfect sense but I just did not recognize it. The other, less positive note, is how openly and willingly people would share racist and bigoted images without thinking twice. That wouldn't happen today nearly as often, except among Trump supporters, who would claim either ignorance or "culture." For the rest of us, it is a wake-up call that there has never really been a "good old days."
I would recommend this to both casual history buffs who enjoy the intersection of popular culture and history as well as those who might simply be more interested in the objects as objects. The images are wonderful and are accompanied by short explanations of what and where, at least to the extent that is known. It is also fun to just ponder the possible meanings as well.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
June 11, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Images and Messages of Early Twentieth-Century Photo Postcards is a well curated survey of the picture postcard and associated history. Due out 15th June from the University of North Texas Press, it's 304 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
There are rare postcards here reproduced along with fascimiles of the handwritten notes from the original senders. I found it fascinating to see the words written by people more than a century ago. I think they had more impact because they were everyday observations about life and love and even trivialities ("Had fine luck. Be home Tuesday midnight. Stay at Mays").
The book is arranged thematically starting with a general introduction and history of the rise of the postcard and its use as a means of communication before and during WW1. The second part of the book contains the postcards and messages, arranged by diverse subjects.
The author includes a comprehensive bibliography and links for further reading. There is also an index.
I loved these little glimpses into a vanished world. The emphasis is on American postcards, but there are a number of postcards and photos of European subjects (especially those sent in and around WW1).
Well written and engaging. Five stars. This would make a superlative gift for history interested readers, philatelists, ephemera fans, and the like.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Images and Messages of Early Twentieth-Century Photo Postcards is a well curated survey of the picture postcard and associated history. Due out 15th June from the University of North Texas Press, it's 304 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
There are rare postcards here reproduced along with fascimiles of the handwritten notes from the original senders. I found it fascinating to see the words written by people more than a century ago. I think they had more impact because they were everyday observations about life and love and even trivialities ("Had fine luck. Be home Tuesday midnight. Stay at Mays").
The book is arranged thematically starting with a general introduction and history of the rise of the postcard and its use as a means of communication before and during WW1. The second part of the book contains the postcards and messages, arranged by diverse subjects.
The author includes a comprehensive bibliography and links for further reading. There is also an index.
I loved these little glimpses into a vanished world. The emphasis is on American postcards, but there are a number of postcards and photos of European subjects (especially those sent in and around WW1).
Well written and engaging. Five stars. This would make a superlative gift for history interested readers, philatelists, ephemera fans, and the like.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 17, 2020
This book is a fascinating look at a period of time when photo postcards were very popular. This is an incrediblely interesting collection of images and a wonderful history surrounding the postcard. This is actually much more interesting than I expected.
If you love old photographs these cards give a wonderful glimpse into western history and the culture in place when postcards were created.
On a fun note there are facts and information about the picture and people in the postcard and its very interesting to read and provides a great source of historical information.
I would recommend this to both casual history buffs who enjoy the intersection of popular culture and history as well as those who might simply be more interested in a deeper history of post cards.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review
If you love old photographs these cards give a wonderful glimpse into western history and the culture in place when postcards were created.
On a fun note there are facts and information about the picture and people in the postcard and its very interesting to read and provides a great source of historical information.
I would recommend this to both casual history buffs who enjoy the intersection of popular culture and history as well as those who might simply be more interested in a deeper history of post cards.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review
May 12, 2021
If you liked the Post Secret website, you'll get a kick out of this book. Or if you enjoy history or design, definitely pick up a copy! This is a nice sample from the time when postcards were all the rage as the way to stay in touch and build collections. For instance, the author quotes a Norwegian girl in 1903:
"Indeed, there is one who corresponds with me too, but he’s so foolish that he writes letters. Did you ever hear about anything so ridiculous? As if I care for a good-for-nothing letter! I cannot put a letter into my album, can I? What nonsense! When I get a real boyfriend, I will simply insist that he send me the nicest postcards there are to be bought, instead of pestering me with those dull letters."
This would make a great coffee table book.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
"Indeed, there is one who corresponds with me too, but he’s so foolish that he writes letters. Did you ever hear about anything so ridiculous? As if I care for a good-for-nothing letter! I cannot put a letter into my album, can I? What nonsense! When I get a real boyfriend, I will simply insist that he send me the nicest postcards there are to be bought, instead of pestering me with those dull letters."
This would make a great coffee table book.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 25, 2020
This book is so interesting! It's a unique and well researched look at a time in history through photo postcards manufactured and sent in the early 20th century. From the events, places, and people in the photos to the messages written on the postcards, we get a more personal look at the times; with more than 160 postcards surveyed and reproduced in the book, a lot of history gets covered, as well as day-to-day life. Perfect for both postcard collectors and history buffs!
June 11, 2020
I think it's a fascinating read and I loved it because I love history and postcards.
It's well written and the postcards are amazing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's well written and the postcards are amazing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
October 18, 2020
As a person who is a history major and a lover of history I loved looking and reading all of the different photos and notes through out the 20th century and being able to learn new things. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves learning new things or love looking at great photos.
June 29, 2020
As a genealogist, I have to say I loved Snapshots and Short Notes: Images and Messages of Early Twentieth-Century Photo Postcards by Kenneth Wilson. I have a number of Real Picture Postcards (RPPC) related to my ancestors, and have long had a fascination with these small pieces of personal and cultural history, so enjoying this book was hardly a surprise. How much I learned about RPPCs, however, was a surprise.
The author starts with a fairly comprehensive introduction to what he calls the ""Golden Age of Postcards", basically 1901-1914. He goes into the various types of postcards which were made and available during that time, as well as some of the background on the US Postal Service and the habits of letter writing and correspondence which marked those times. It was in this section that he provided the perfect - and perfectly obvious - comparison between picture postcards and social media! Duh! I'd never made that connection, but once I had, it just made so much sense!
The bulk of the book is dedicated to postcards, and I was truly impressed with the way the author handled this section. There are postcards for just about everything you can imagine - current events, celebrities, businesses, entertainment, politicians, funerals, local and national cultural events, and so many postcards just showing families and family members. I loved every one! But what sets this book apart is the author's attention to historical detail related to each postcard. It's obvious he did a lot of research into the sender and the recipient, the image, but he also put each postcard into a historical and personal context. My favorite was a postcard of Frank, the owner of a local floral business in Tampa FL, holding a gigantic flower arrangement. It might not be as culturally or historically relevant as some others in the collection - say the one of Teddy Roosevelt stumping - but to me it represented the best thing about old postcards, the ability of everyday people to share pieces of their lives with others.
After reading Snapshots and Short Notes: Images and Messages of Early Twentieth-Century Photo Postcards, I am absolutely inspired to search out more historic RPPCs, and spend more time on the ones I already have in my family history archives.
This review is based on an advance copy read.
The author starts with a fairly comprehensive introduction to what he calls the ""Golden Age of Postcards", basically 1901-1914. He goes into the various types of postcards which were made and available during that time, as well as some of the background on the US Postal Service and the habits of letter writing and correspondence which marked those times. It was in this section that he provided the perfect - and perfectly obvious - comparison between picture postcards and social media! Duh! I'd never made that connection, but once I had, it just made so much sense!
The bulk of the book is dedicated to postcards, and I was truly impressed with the way the author handled this section. There are postcards for just about everything you can imagine - current events, celebrities, businesses, entertainment, politicians, funerals, local and national cultural events, and so many postcards just showing families and family members. I loved every one! But what sets this book apart is the author's attention to historical detail related to each postcard. It's obvious he did a lot of research into the sender and the recipient, the image, but he also put each postcard into a historical and personal context. My favorite was a postcard of Frank, the owner of a local floral business in Tampa FL, holding a gigantic flower arrangement. It might not be as culturally or historically relevant as some others in the collection - say the one of Teddy Roosevelt stumping - but to me it represented the best thing about old postcards, the ability of everyday people to share pieces of their lives with others.
After reading Snapshots and Short Notes: Images and Messages of Early Twentieth-Century Photo Postcards, I am absolutely inspired to search out more historic RPPCs, and spend more time on the ones I already have in my family history archives.
This review is based on an advance copy read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews