The Contest of Meaning: Critical Histories of Photography

Book Overview

Photography's great success gives the impression that the major questions that have haunted the medium are now resolved. On the contrary, the most important questions about photography are just beginning to be asked. These fourteen essays, with over 200 illustrations, critically examine prevailing beliefs about the medium and suggest new ways to explain the history of photography. They are organized around the questions: What are the social consequences...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0262521695
• ISBN13: 9780262521697
• Release Date: February 1992
• Publisher: MIT Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 2.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.2" x 10.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Ouch, but Ahhh.

This book makes my brain hurt, but in a good way. Some of the essays are pretty tough to read as they are very deeply rooted in the world of art historical criticism, but don't let that stop you from getting this book; you'll learn a lot and come away with some good insights into the subject of photography and the history of photography. It would be very helpful to get a companion book that contains some of the artists and works that are discussed here, so you have the images to look at and non-critical, historical looks at the artists for background and context. Something like Beumont Newhall's "History of Photography" would be an excellent match.