A World History of Photography

by Naomi Rosenblum

Encompasses the entire range of the photographic medium, from the camera lucida to up-to-date computer technology, and from Europe and the Americas to the Far East. The text investigates all aspects of photography - aesthetic, documentary, commercial and technical - while placing it in historical context. It includes three technical sections with detailed information about equipment and processes. This edition also updates important new international work from the 1980s and 1990s.

Genres: Photography, Art, History, Nonfiction, Reference, School, Art History

696 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Tonileg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book on the history of photography.
There is lots of photographs and the styles and the evolution from a documentary tool to Art form.
The best part of the book is the guide to the cameras and technology that goes along with the evolution of photography which all too often gets forgotten because people only think about the pictures and not the machine that is the camera.
Well worth a look at the library, but it you have the money to buy it is a wonderful reference to have around the house for all your photo related questions.
5 stars

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you want to buy one book on the history of photography, this one is pretty great.

[Matthew]

Note: Read Fourth Edition.

[Jin-Ah Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential

[Rosiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extraordinarily excellent.

[Annia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually love this textbook. It is well put together and organized. The photos are amazing. It’s a great history.

[Jamey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an all-encompassing history on photography, complete with photographs. Although a bit dull, it has loads of information that would be suitable for the history and photography buff.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much a classic. Both for the photography history information it contains, and the choice of photographs.

[Open Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a comprehensive book on the history of photography - this is the one. It'll not only take you for a journey through the most important names and their works but also show the development of technology.
Sure, one could say that the narrative is a little dry but it's a matter of what you're looking for. If it's all about an engaging, anecdotical non-fiction that will give you facts as a side-effect (sort of), it's certainly not for you. But the writing style is fine and if you want knowledge, you'll be more than satisfied.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Packed chalk full of information, but probably THE most dry educational book I've ever read. There is absolutely nothing in here to keep you interested. But very informative. I'd recommend keeping it as a reference but there are better books to for an entertaining narative of the history.

[Kent]

Great read on the development of both the camera and the art of photography; from it's early development in the 1830's to our modern camera.

Well sorted by period and significant process and photographer.

[Joann(san diego shutterbug) · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are a photographer you need to read this. The sections are brief but very imformative. Great read for any photographer that wants to explore the roots of their craft. Very imformative deatailed history.

[Kateryna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astonishing and well written book! It taught me a lot about the history of photography. I would recommend it to anyone who's interested in photography :D . Could give them a better perspective of some of the famous photographers.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, exhaustive tome; read for my history of photography class. I greatly appreciated learning this material and enjoyed the author's abilities to convey complex material and communicate it in an interesting and available way.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A textbook to return to again and again and again...

[Maurice · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to have one Photo History Book, this is the one to get.

[Lauren Devon]

At the Central Library, reference not able to check out.

[Casie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the only textbooks from University I kept.

[Wassietefera]

a want to read

[Vince Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Took forever to read but I'm much more informed from it. Fascinating stuff.

[William Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of photographs. It should be on every photographer's shelf.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

really good