Photography: The Definitive Visual History

by Tom Ang
Photography: The Definitive Visual History cover
Good Books rating 4.53
Art, Design, and Photography
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Waterstones
Hardback • £25.00–£35.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9920
  • Added: 2026-01-04
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780241607824
  • Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
  • Published: 2022-08-04
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

This lavish ebook traces the history of photography over the past 200 years, showcasing iconic images and the extraordinary cameras that captured them. It includes more than 50 biographies of famous photographers who pushed the boundaries of the medium, from the daguerreotype to modern camera phones. The book charts the influence of social and cultural change, as well as the impact of science and technology, on photographic history. It follows the journey from grainy early portraits to gritty photojournalism, street photography, and digital photography, with special features delving into the stories behind images that changed how people saw the world. Whether you're a budding photographer, a seasoned professional, or simply interested in the subject, this book offers inspiration and information.

Reviews
Amazon · 2026-01-04
brilliant 4.70

This book is highly informative and visually stunning, making it a brilliant resource for anyone interested in photography. The detailed information and beautiful images make it a must-have for photography enthusiasts.

This book is a treasure trove of information about photography, packed with stunning visuals and detailed explanations. It's a brilliant resource that anyone interested in the history and evolution of photography will find invaluable. The book's layout and design are outstanding, making it a pleasure to browse through. It's not just informative but also visually captivating, showcasing some of the best photographs from different eras. The detailed biographies of the photographers add a personal touch, making the book even more engaging. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or just someone who appreciates beautiful images, this book is a must-have for your coffee table.

Quick quotes

    What a lovely book, very informative and gives you plenty of information about photography.

    I would recommend everyone buy this book as it's brilliant.

    The printing, paper quality, graphics and layout in the book are outstanding!

Goodreads · 2022-09-15
stunning 4.40

The book is visually stunning, showcasing many of the best photographs and providing brief biographies of the creators. It's a lavish coffee-table book that traces the history of photography from its early days to the present.

This book is a visual feast, featuring some of the most iconic photographs from different periods. The brief biographies of the photographers add a personal dimension to the images, making the book even more engaging. It's a lavish coffee-table book that traces the history of photography, from the first black and white images to celebrated examples of 21st-century digital photography. The book is not just a collection of images but also a journey through the evolution of photography, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the subject. The layout and design of the book are outstanding, making it a pleasure to browse through.

Quick quotes

    Visually the book is stunning, showing many of the best photographs, and giving a brief biography of the creators of these images.

    This lavish coffee-table book traces the history of photography from the first black and white images to celebrated examples of 21st-century digital photography.

    The printing, paper quality, graphics and layout in the book are outstanding!

Shutterbug · 2014-11-10
comprehensive 4.50

The book traces the evolution of cameras, studying the lenses, lighting, film, and the technology that made photography possible. It's a comprehensive guide that provides a deep understanding of the history and development of photography.

This book is a comprehensive guide that traces the evolution of cameras and the technology that made photography possible. It's a deep dive into the history and development of photography, providing a detailed understanding of the subject. The book is not just about the images but also about the technology and techniques that have evolved over time. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in the technical aspects of photography. The book's layout and design are well-thought-out, making it easy to navigate and understand. The detailed explanations and beautiful images make it a pleasure to read and browse through.

Quick quotes

    This book traces the evolution of cameras, studying the lenses, lighting, film and the technology that made photography possible.

    The printing, paper quality, graphics and layout in the book are outstanding!

    Richard Avedon's cover photograph is a definitive example of art photography!

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