Synopses & Reviews
Gordon Parks is remarkable: a Renaissance man who has mastered photography, filmmaking, and writing. The story of his life is certainly an incredible one. Transcending voyeurism, Parks' photographs reveal vulnerabilities of the human experience with grace and compassion. In his 90s and still driven to experience what the world has to offer, and to express his response to it, Gordon Parks is an inspiration to us all. --Janet St. John, BooklistGordon Parks overcame the obstacles of poverty and racism and never gave up on his dreams. He attributes his drivefor excellence to his mother who told him,What a white boy can do, you can too--and no excuses. The first black photographer for Life magazine, Gordon Parks spent over two decades as a professional photographer, and his resume has grown to include novelist, musician, artist, and poet.After reading a story about Gordon Parks in a Kansas newspaper, Ann Parr immediately set out to learn more about his life. She first interviewed the mayor of Fort Scott, Kansas, whose efforts healed wounds between Gordon Parks and his hometown, and then many of Parks' friends. But it was after interviewing Parks in person that she knew she had asuccess story that would inspire generations.Featuring forty-one vibrant black and white photographs and illustrations, this book includes details of Gordon Parks' life and his work. Included are his photographs of the poor, stylish Parisian models, and the Civil Rights movement.
Synopsis
A biography of the famous African-American photographer. Gordon Parks grew up in poverty in Kansas, but his mother always told him, "Don't come home with any excuses." His perseverance resulted in his becoming a photographer for Life magazine as well as a successful novelist, director, producer, screenwriter, and music composer.