Album of photographs, America early 1900s

c. 1915. Very Good. Stab binding, black cloth over flexible boards (11” x 7.25”) with “Photographs” stamped in gilt on front board; contains 50 black leaves with b/w photographs and cyanotypes (ranging in size from about 1” x 1”, to 3.5” x 5.5”) affixed by corners; nearly 200 images in all. Boards a little rubbed; ghost of an old sticker on front board; a few photographs detached and neatly laid in, but all are legible.

This collection of photographs depicts men, women, and children – lots of different faces so likely an assemblage of friends and family – all of whom appear to be really happy, fun people, well-traveled, with possibly a few performers. Includes a few formal portraits (including, but not limited to, a triptych of a baby, and a small photograph with a hand-embroidered edge), informal group portraits, couples, a dog in suit and hat, a boy with bunnies, an angry looking cat, and more. People are posed in deserts, on snow-covered mountains, in front of palm trees, in front of tents, holding hands, or holding shotguns. A tremendous variety is on display: changing landscapes (many climates, seasons, locations); images of ships, trains, and old cars; images of all ages of people, in all manner of dress. Though many of the photographs are candid, and likely the work of an amateur photographer or hobbyist, they are, for the most part, very nicely composed, exposed, and printed – some of the landscapes are quite lovely, and there’s also a dramatic image of a shipwreck decaying on shore. Difficult to place their locations, but one image shows them in front of the U.S. Capital building as it's being built. A wonderful volume, alternately touching and humorous. Informal, but nicely presented nonetheless.