American Photographs by Walker Evans

First Edition, First Printing, 1938

Limited to 5000 Copies

This is a first edition, first printing of the classic, “American Photographs” published by the Museum of Modern Art, New York. In 1938 Walker Evans was the first photographer to have a solo exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Published in conjunction with that landmark show, the 87 images presented here revolutionized photography's documentary role, and the book's very design reconfigured the photo-essay into "a complex, elliptical, hugely ambitious work." From its opening sequence of a photographer's shop, American Photographs "declares itself not just a book about the world, but about photography. It constitutes a document of 1930s America so persuasive that John Szarkowski has remarked: 'It is difficult to know now with certainty whether Walker Evans recorded the America of his youth, or invented it'" (Parr & Badger I: 114).  “American Photographs” established Walker Evans as a major artist. Commenting on the book in her newspaper column, Eleanor Roosevelt said “It shows us contemporary America, and I think all of us who care about our country will be deeply interested in this record”. (Andrew Roth, The Book of 101 Books, Seminal Photographic Books of the Twentieth Century).

The book measures 9” x 7” and is bound in black cloth over boards with the title on a paper label affixed to the head of the spine. There is no dust jacket. The condition of the book is VERY GOOD with slightly soiled boards and rubbing on the back panel bottom near the spine. One corner is bumped with two very small abrasions to the top and bottom fore edge. The internals of the book are also VERY GOOD with a slight crease on the lower right affecting about a half inch of the page. There are no markings or signs of ownership.  Notwithstanding the lengthy narrative, this is a very presentable copy of a rare and important photography book.

Photographs of the book board and spine as well as examples of photographs contained in the book appear below. Please note that although the photographs appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photo viewer by running your mouse over the thumbnail. You can also click on the thumbnail to open a separate window where the picture is viewable.