Dog Shows, 1930-1949

By Bert Morgan

Book Overview

A collection of photographs profiling the world of society dog shows in the 1930s and 1940s.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811826872
• ISBN13: 9780811826877
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (CA)
• Length: 169 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.5" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A beautiful book of formal and informal dog show shots.

I picked up this book out of curiosity, noting that most of the shots were taken on Long Island in the 30's. I have been to many of the shows listed. The pictures are a wonderful history of dogs and dog showing mostly in the New York area. The photographer does not limit himself to just the breed ring. There are also shots of dogs at obedience and field trials. The pictures of the rich and famous with their dogs are very interesting. The photos also show how much some breeds of dogs have changed over the years. Notably, the German Shepherd. Nowadays, only the dogs from Germany look like the ones in this book, and they would never win at Westminster. I really enjoyed the beautiful pictures, many many breeds are represented. A great find for a dog lover and/or exhibitor.

Not Just About Dog Shows!

This book is a remarkable social document. It's not just the marvelous pictures of dogs and their people at dog shows, but an evocative slice of New York society from the 1930's and 40's. Bert Morgan's phtographs capture the dogs and the people at play at dog shows, field trials and at home (and what homes!) New York high society obviously felt comfortable with Morgan and it shows. The photos are candid and capture the easy, affectionate relationship between human and canine subject.What is also fascinating about the book are the photographs which show fashion and style; great clothes, cars and dogs. There are numerous photos of the famous. Jaqueline Onansis with a Great Dane nearly as tall as her in a picture from 1935; actress Shirley Booth arriving in Florida by train with her poodles in 1950; politician and diplomat Averill Harriman at a field trial in the mid 1930's.And if you are into dog shows, hundreds of vintage pictures of dogs, handlers, owners and judges at historic dog shows throughout the northeast. For the fancier, you can compare the differences in dog styles between show dogs now and show dogs 60 years ago. Some breeds look exactly the same; others look like entirely different dogs.I was touched by the obvious affection these people had for their dogs and the way Bert Morgan captures those feelings and that way of life.A book that all dog lovers will enjoy, but also a book for people who want to learn what life was life for the rich and comfortable during a dark chapter in American history.While it would have been nice to see more commentary, the pictures do speak for themselves and they speak to us many years later.