Photography The definitive visual history

The author of many technical guidebooks on photography, Ang (Digital Photographer's Handbook) is also an accomplished photographer and educator, making him a suitable writer for an encyclopedic review of the discipline. Unlike his previous books, this volume is comprehensive in scope. He covers the history of photography by examining processes, equipment, and artists, moving the reader chronologically from the daguerreotype to today's smartphone camera technology. Each spread tackles a topic relevant to the time period, and interspersed throughout are profiles of important photographers and in-depth examinations of historically significant photographs. Though this book is most enjoyed by browsing, the index is helpful for finding specific artists or photographic processes. In addition, there is a glossary and a short section of photographers' biographies. These biographies include URLs when applicable, however, page listings for related sections of the book would have been useful. The text is simple yet thorough, but it is the well-reproduced images that will draw in the reader. VERDICT While too basic for a professional or serious student, this volume will appeal to photo enthusiasts and general readers. Those wanting an extensive single-volume overview should stick with Michael R. Peres's The Focal Encyclopedia of Photography.-Shannon Marie Robinson, Denison Univ. Lib., Granville, OH (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.