Stop Reading! Look!

Modern Vision and the Weimar Photographic Book

Nonfiction, Art & Architecture, Art History, European, History, Germany
Cover of the book Stop Reading! Look! by Pepper Stetler, University of Michigan Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Pepper Stetler ISBN: 9780472121380
Publisher: University of Michigan Press Publication: December 7, 2015
Imprint: University of Michigan Press Language: English
Author: Pepper Stetler
ISBN: 9780472121380
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Publication: December 7, 2015
Imprint: University of Michigan Press
Language: English

In the second half of the Weimar period (1918–33), photographers produced books consisting almost entirely of sequenced images. The subjects ranged widely: from plants and nature to the modern metropolis, from exotic cultures to the German Volk, from anonymous workers to historical figures. While many of the books were created by key practitioners and theorists of modern photography, scholars have rarely addressed the significance of the book format to modern conceptions of photographic meaning. The term “photo-essay” implies that these photographic books were equivalent to literary endeavors, created by replacing text with images, but such assumptions fail to explore the motivations of the books’ makers.

Stop Reading! Look! argues that Weimar photographic books stood at the center of debates about photography’s ability to provide uniquely visual forms of perception and cognition that exceed the capacity of the textual realm. Each chapter provides a sustained analysis of a photographic book, while also bringing the cultural, social, and political context of the Weimar Republic to bear on its relevance and meaning.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In the second half of the Weimar period (1918–33), photographers produced books consisting almost entirely of sequenced images. The subjects ranged widely: from plants and nature to the modern metropolis, from exotic cultures to the German Volk, from anonymous workers to historical figures. While many of the books were created by key practitioners and theorists of modern photography, scholars have rarely addressed the significance of the book format to modern conceptions of photographic meaning. The term “photo-essay” implies that these photographic books were equivalent to literary endeavors, created by replacing text with images, but such assumptions fail to explore the motivations of the books’ makers.

Stop Reading! Look! argues that Weimar photographic books stood at the center of debates about photography’s ability to provide uniquely visual forms of perception and cognition that exceed the capacity of the textual realm. Each chapter provides a sustained analysis of a photographic book, while also bringing the cultural, social, and political context of the Weimar Republic to bear on its relevance and meaning.

More books from University of Michigan Press

Cover of the book Sensual Relations by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book History after Liberty by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book Intents and Purposes by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book Cops, Teachers, Counselors by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book The Social Politics of Medieval Diplomacy by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book The Americanist by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book The Stage Life of Props by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book The Chief Justice by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book Medieval Women and Their Objects by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book Making News at The New York Times by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book Oral Arguments and Coalition Formation on the U.S. Supreme Court by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book Common Law Judging by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book The Tender Friendship and the Charm of Perfect Accord by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book Honor Among Thieves by Pepper Stetler
Cover of the book Nowaki by Pepper Stetler
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy