by David Young
360 pages, softcover, $39.99
Published by Rocky Nook
rockynook.com

Utilizing an almanac-like format, A Brief History of Photography takes a comprehensive look at the history of this indispensable art form, albeit in bite-size pieces. Interspersed with scientific developments by year—starting with 1614—are trivia boxes describing various terms and facts, photographs of the inventors of various photographic processes and equipment, and examples of early photographic efforts.

The scientific advances and experiments that produced varyingly successful imagemaking devices are fascinating, each adding and building toward the complex cameras that are now part of everyone’s cellphones. While most photography fans are aware of the contributions of early proponents like Joseph Nicéphore Niépce and Louis Daguerre, author David Young introduces a plethora of international characters whose efforts greatly advanced the art form.

The book’s straightforward design makes it easy to open at any page and delve into photography’s rich and complex history, from happy accidents to breakthroughs in chemistry and groundbreaking experiments. I learned that Samuel Morse of telegraph fame learned the Daguerreotype process firsthand; upon his return to the United States, he and his brothers converted their home to a studio where, in April of 1839, they created the first photographs taken in North America.

Regardless of the depth of understanding one brings to the study and practice of photography, it’s a sure bet that the encyclopedic knowledge presented in this important book will provide new and thought-provoking information—possibly, even inspiration. —Anne Telford ca