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Inventing Photography

William Henry Fox Talbot in the Bodleian Library
By Geoffrey Batchen
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Inventing Photography by Geoffrey Batchen explores the early history of photography, unveiling the complex stories behind its invention and the technology's initial development. Batchen delves into the cultural, social, and philosophical influences that shaped photography's emergence as an art form and a scientific endeavour. The book presents a rich tapestry of innovations and ideas that collectively contributed to establishing photography as a transformative medium.
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Format: Hardback
$8999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the history and impact of visual arts, particularly the development and cultural significance of photography. Geoffrey Batchen delves into the origins and evolution of photography, offering deep insights into how this medium has shaped artistic and societal perceptions over time. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the transformative power of photography in art and culture.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Inventing Photography by Geoffrey Batchen explores the remarkable contributions of William Henry Fox Talbot, celebrated today as the English inventor of photography. Talbot made pioneering photographic experiments in the 1830s, released the details of his photogenic drawing process in January 1839, and introduced significant innovations to the medium throughout the 1840s and 1850s.

Drawing on archive material from the Bodleian Library, including three albums given by Talbot to his sister, Horatia Feilding, and his illustrated books, Sun Pictures in Scotland and The Pencil of Nature, this volume illustrates how Talbot was continually reinventing photography. A selection of eighty full-page plates provides a thematic survey of Talbot's work, reproducing images that document his travels, his home and family, and his intellectual interests, spanning science, literature, and ancient languages.

An illustrated introduction places Talbot's work within the context of a modernising Britain, as well as his personal and intellectual milieu. It also explores how the competing daguerreotype process motivated Talbot to refine his techniques and discover new functions and uses for paper-based photographs.

This evocative selection is testament to Talbot's relentless pursuit of photographic advancements, offering a compelling window into the archives of an extraordinarily determined and creative individual.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Geoffrey Batchen's Inventing Photography is praised for its insightful examination of Henry Fox Talbot's career, bringing to life the early days of photography with energetic prose and rich illustrations. It's noted for its engaging portrayal of Talbot's artistic evolution and the visual impact of his work.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781851245963

Publisher: Bodleian Library

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 16 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bodleian Library

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 237.0mm

Height: 259.0mm

Weight: 1202g

Pages: 192

Collections

Arts & Culture Geoffrey Batchen Non-Fiction Photography Books

About the Author

Geoffrey Batchen is Professor of History of Art at the University of Oxford.

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