Ansel Adams: Divine Performance
As a photographer, artist, and especially gifted contributor to our perception of the American landscape, Ansel Adams seems to be the subject of continual discovery. In this quiet and thoughtful work, photo historian and researcher Hammond (Frederick Evans) gives us still more on Adams's life, aesthetics, methodology, and evolution as an artist. Her book refuses to engage in the fits of impassioned academic overanalysis that usually weigh down critical books about genius; instead, Hammond keeps Adams's biography and her criticism of the images on track. While readers may question the need for yet another book on Adams, Hammond offers a careful portrayal of the photographer and the life that he lived along with his art, placing his work in the contexts of time, place, and influence. This volume makes a solid contribution on several levels, not the least of which is its articulating some very essential notions on the structure of thought and visual objectives within the basics of photography. In the case of Ansel Adams, this structure gave us exceptional, even reassuring art that has made its way into the subconscious of millions of viewers. Recommended for most collections. David Bryant, New Canaan Lib., CTCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.