America Through the Lens: Photographers Who Changed the Nation

By Martin W. Sandler

"If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera."-Lewis Hine A stunning view of America as captured by groundbreaking photographers American history is punctuated by defining moments-some proud, some tragic, some beautiful. Photography has made it possible for these moments to be captured and shared with the public. As the craft has evolved from unwieldy glass negatives to digital imagery, the photographs themselves have changed the way we see the world.From Mathew Brady's startling Civil War photographs to NASA's stunning images of the universe, this book highlights twelve photographers whose work has truly changed the nation.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805073671
• ISBN13: 9780805073676
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.9" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 10 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 10

Customer Reviews

Nice and readable introduction to both Photography and History

AMERICA THROUGH THE LENS is an extensive look at America spanning two centuries, spanning many ethnicities (white, Native American, African American), spanning economic and social classes (rich and poor) and spanning the Continent (urban, industrial, rural, nature). Featuring the photographs and mini-biographies of twelve photographers, AMERICA THROUGH THE LENS is an excellent introduction to photography and provides a new perspective of American history. It features six male photographers, five female photographers, and a look at corporate photography with its examination of NASA and NOAA photography. If AMERICA THROUGH THE LENS has a premise, it would be that a good photograph can wield great power and has the ability-with proper placement-to change public opinion and actually change the way the nation sees itself and the way the nation ACTS. For example, the photographs of William Henry Jackson prompted the government to begin its creation of NATIONAL PARKS protecting both the land and the wildlife. The photographs of Lewis Hine prompted the government to change its child labor laws. His work with a camera was able to change how children were treated and protected in the future. The examples are many, but Sandler shows how each photographer changed the nation in his/her own unique way.