Synopses & Reviews
The Realisms of Berenice Abbott provides the first in-depth consideration of the work of photographer Berenice Abbott. Though best known for her 1930s documentary images of New York City, this book examines a broad range of Abbottand#8217;s workand#151;including portraits from the 1920s, little known and uncompleted projects from the 1930s, and experimental science photography from the 1950s. It argues that Abbott consistently relied on realism as the theoretical armature for her work, even as her understanding of that term changed over time and in relation to specific historical circumstances. But as Weissman demonstrates, Abbottand#8217;s unflinching commitment to and#147;realistand#8221; aesthetics led her to develop a critical theory of documentary that recognizes the complexity of representation without excluding or obscuring a connection between art and engagement in the political public sphere. In telling Abbottand#8217;s story, The Realisms of Berenice Abbott reveals insights into the politics and social context of documentary production and presents a thoughtful analysis of why documentary remains a compelling artistic strategy today.
Review
and#8220;Weissman offers a scholarly study that contributes importantly to a revaluing of the central works of the venerable yet undervalued American photographer Berenice Abbott.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;From a wealth of primary material, much of it long buried in archives and libraries, Weissman has created a fine documentary. Abbottand#8217;s . . . singular vision of the interaction of these are all presented with clear prose and scholarly consideration. Photography fans will find much here.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;A fine book. . . . Accounts for the look of Abbottand#8217;s photographs in a way no one has done before.and#8221;
Review
and#8220;Complex and compelling. . . . A model for future scholarship on both historical and contemporary photography.and#8221;
About the Author
Terri Weissman is Assistant Professor of Art History at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and is a contributing editor to American Modern: Documentary Photography by Abbott, Evans, and Bourke-White (UC Press).
Table of Contents
Introduction: A Monograph in the Negative
1 Berenice Abbott: Realist
2 Paris Portraits
3 and#147;The Great Democratic Bookand#8221;
4 Changing New York
5 PhotoPhysics
Notes
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
Index