Photography as a Fine Art. The Achievements and Possibilities of Photographic Art in America

New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1901. A near-fine copy with some light wear to binding at extremities, internally fine. 4to. 191 pages. Original green cloth, gilt-lettered on front cover and spine. First edition. From the collection of NYC gallerist Marjorie Neikrug. A landmark at its time of publication, Caffin's book is still one of the most informative and authoritative appraisals of the American photographers who later became the Photo Secession. Singling out Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, Gertrude Kasebier and Clarence H. White, Caffin was writing as an insider, with intimate knowledge of the artists that adds life and vitality to his critical appreciation of their work. Born in England, Caffin emigrated to the U.S. in 1892. He became the American editor of 'The Studio' and his articles on art and photography were widely published in journals and magazines. He first became acquainted with some of the photographers he studies in this book when he wrote criticism of the Philadelphia Salon of 1898, an important exhibition for which Stieglitz and two Philadelphia painters served as judges. Clarence H. White exhibited for the first time in this show.