John Berger: Understanding a Photograph

by John Berger

Hardcover, 2013

Status

Available

Call number

770

Collection

Publication

Aperture (2013), Edition: Illustrated, 256 pages

Description

John Berger's explorations of the relationships between the individual and society, culture and politics, and experience and expression through the written word, films, photographic collaborations and performances are unmatched in their diversity, ambition and reach. His television series and book "Ways of Seeing" revolutionized the way that art is understood. Now, "Understanding a Photograph" gathers the photography writings of one of the most internationally influential authors of the past 50 years. "Understanding a Photograph" is arranged chronologically, leading the reader on a thought-provoking journey through selected essays from hallmark works such as "About Looking" and "Another Way of Telling," as well as previously uncollected pieces written for exhibitions or catalogues that discuss a wide range of artists--from August Sander to Jitka Hanzlova. This collection of some 25 texts has been carefully selected by novelist and essayist Geoff Dyer, who has also written a critical study of Berger's oeuvre. John Berger (born 1926) is a novelist, poet, screenwriter and critic. He is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including "To the Wedding," "About Looking" and "G.," for which he was awarded the Booker Prize. Among his best-known works are the television series and book, "Ways of Seeing." He has received prestigious awards for his writing, including the Petrarca-Preis and a Golden PEN Award.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member RajivC
The book is a classic. John Berger's book deconstructs much about photographs, and reconstructs them again. The writing may seem simple enough, but it delves deep into the art and philosophy of photography, as well as the art of some of the photographers.

It is, however, advisable to read up on the
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photographers he talks about before you read the book, else some of it may not make too much sense. Or, read about them after you read the book, and then re-read the book.

I am not sure why he held such a high regard for Susan Sontag's "On Photography", but then you can't have it all.
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Language

Original language

English

Physical description

256 p.; 8.7 inches

ISBN

9781597112567
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