Colorado, 1870-2000

by William Henry Jackson, John Fielder, Ed Marston

The images of early west photographer William Henry Jackson capture a Colorado landscape both pristine and already dramatically affected by the onslaught on western civilization. Standing exactly where Jackson stood, and pointing his own camera in precisely the same direction, John Fielder has rephotographed Jackson's Colorado images to capture the often startling change that has occurred over the last century. The result is both breathtaking and stark, hopeful and disquieting. Jackson's and Fielder's photography is accompanied by thoughtful and provocative essays by respected experts in the environmental Roderick Nash, America's foremost wilderness historian and author of Wilderness and the American Mind; Ed Marston, journalist and publisher of High Country News; and Eric Paddock, Curator of Photography at the Colorado Historical Society. John Fielder describes the profound experience of traveling the state and seeing the landscape from Jackson's perspective, and reflects upon changes of the last 130 years. The contrast between Jackson's and Fielder's photographs not only illuminates Colorado's past but will help us determine the course of land management as we move into the next century. Accompanied by an educational program that includes lectures, a traveling exhibit, newspaper serialization, and television series, this book is aimed at encouraging people to appreciate and reflect on nature, history, and photography as we move into the next century. 1870-2000 stands not only as an important document of westward exploration, expansion, and urbanization, but helps define our past and future environmental values.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel, Photography

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1997

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An album of historical photos along with a recent photo that matches the original, A gorgeous coffee table book.

[Christopher May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite simply put, this is the definitive photographic tome of Colorado featuring the work of two of its legendary photographers. Jackson’s originals are marvelously creative, especially when one considers the labor required to produce photographs in his era. Fielder manages to incorporate his own distinctive and attractive style despite the limitation of photographing from the same locations as Jackson. The accompanying text tells the story of Colorado from the time of the ancestral Puebloans in Mesa Verde to the modern day. This is a must have for any Coloradoan.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures of my lovely state

[John Lueckenotte]

One of the best presents ever... from my Mom!

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to look at the differences.

[sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the reason I stayed in Colorado