first edition Stapled wraps
(c.1947) · New York
by Parks, Gordon
New York: Franklin Watts, Inc.. Very Good. (c.1947). First Edition. Stapled wraps. [light soiling along top of front cover, some damage (surface-peeling, partially tape-patched) to rear cover, moderate wear along spine, staples a bit rusty]. (B&W photographs) "A new practical guide for the beginner and the professional," this renowned photographer's first published book. Apart from the dozen or so pages devoted exclusively to techniques, equipment, etc., the book reproduces 75 photographic examples (many full-page), nearly half of which were taken by Parks himself -- which makes this "instructional" book also, de facto, the first published collection of his photographic work. Other photographers represented include: Weegee (3, plus one of him taken by an unknown photographer), Barbara Morgan (3), Arnold Eagle (4), Sol Libsohn (2), Edward Rosskam (2), Harold Corsini (5), Esther Bubley (4), Jack Delano (3), Philip Sperry (6), Philippe Halsman (3), and John Vachon (1). Each photograph is accompanied by a small diagram, explaining the technique used to capture the image (exposure, number and placement of flashbulbs, etc.). This book was also issued with a Grosset & Dunlap imprint, but it was preceded by the Franklin Watts edition, the true first printing. . (Inventory #: 25389)