On Photography

by Susan Sontag
On Photography cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Essays / Essay Collections
Technical:
  • ID: 1338
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-10
  • ISBN: 9780312420093
  • Publisher: Picador
  • Published: 1977-01-01
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 4
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99

On Photography by Susan Sontag is a seminal work that delves into the essence and impact of photography on society and culture. Winner of the National Book Critics' Circle Award for Criticism, this collection of essays examines the role of photographs in shaping our perceptions of reality and history. Sontag's incisive analysis begins with the iconic 'In Plato's Cave' essay and continues with five other thought-provoking meditations on the subject, culminating in a rich anthology of quotations./n/nPublished in 1977, On Photography remains a vital and influential text, offering a deep dive into the philosophical and cultural significance of the medium. Sontag's writing is both accessible and profound, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and society.

Reviews
BeansnBooks · 2024-11-05
thought-provoking 3.50

The book received criticism for lacking academic depth, but Sontag's arguments are compelling despite these claims. It offers a unique perspective on the role of photography in society.

This reviewer noted that 'On Photography' has faced criticism for not being deeply academic, but they argue that Sontag's insights are still valuable. They appreciate the way Sontag challenges conventional views on photography and its impact on how we see the world. The book is seen as thought-provoking, even if it doesn't delve as deeply into academic theory as some might hope. The reviewer finds Sontag's perspective refreshing and her arguments compelling, making the book a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the cultural significance of photography.

Quick quotes

    On Photography received criticism for lacking academic roots, and for not delving deeper into its own arguments.

    Sontag refuted these claims with compelling insights.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the role of photography in society.

The Art Newspaper · Fineman · 2022-09-05
influential 4.50

The book is celebrated for its engaging and voracious exploration of photography's impact, making it a timeless and influential work. It is noted for its power and originality in addressing the medium's complexities.

Fineman's review emphasizes the power and originality of On Photography, particularly Sontag's eagerness to engage with the promiscuity and voraciousness of the medium. They highlight how Sontag's work remains influential and relevant, offering a deep and engaging exploration of photography's impact on society. The book is praised for its timeless insights and its ability to provoke thought about the role of photography in our lives.

Quick quotes

    The power and originality of Sontag's book lie in her eagerness to engage with photography's promiscuity.

    Its voraciousness, and the way it challenges readers to think about the medium's impact, make it a timeless work.

    Sontag's work remains influential and relevant, offering deep insights into the complexities of photography.

Tosin Adeoti's Medium Blog · Tosin Adeoti · 2022-01-01
insightful 4.00

The book is praised for its examination of how photographs capture and represent the world, offering a deep dive into the medium's impact on society. It is seen as a valuable exploration of photography's role in shaping our perceptions.

Tosin Adeoti's review highlights how On Photography delves into the ways photographs, often taken by travelers or tourists, serve as a representation of the world. They appreciate Sontag's ability to dissect the medium's influence on society, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the deeper implications of photography. The book is seen as a thoughtful and insightful collection of essays that challenge readers to think critically about the images they encounter.

Quick quotes

    The book is a collection of essays that aim to examine how photographs, often captured by travelers or tourists, can represent a collection of the world.

    It is a valuable exploration of photography's role in shaping our perceptions.

    Sontag's work is praised for its depth and the way it challenges readers to think critically about the images they encounter.

Philosophy Matters · 2012-05-17
thought-provoking 4.00

The book is appreciated for its argument that photography can help people discover beauty, similar to Plato's philosophical ideas. It is seen as a thought-provoking exploration of the medium's aesthetic and philosophical dimensions.

This review from Philosophy Matters highlights Sontag's argument that photography can be a way for many people to discover beauty, much like Plato's philosophical ideas. They appreciate the book's thought-provoking exploration of photography's aesthetic and philosophical dimensions, making it a valuable read for those interested in the deeper aspects of the medium. The book is seen as a classic critical examination that offers unique insights into the nature of photography.

Quick quotes

    Sontag makes the argument that photography can be a way for many people to discover beauty, in a way very similar to what Plato is talking about.

    The book offers a thought-provoking exploration of photography's aesthetic and philosophical dimensions.

    It is a valuable read for those interested in the deeper aspects of the medium.

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