An American Journey: Images of Railroading During the Depression

Rating:
Summary: Railroads in thirties rural America
Review: Another book of Farm Security Agency photos is always welcome and author Vandercook has found 140 that feature railroads (and some streetcars). All these photos tell a story because the photographers had very tight shooting scripts organised by their boss Roy Stryker, his railroad script had up to 80 items to be covered. Unfortunately the production of this book does not do justice to the wonderful images. The black areas of the photos end up as dark greys so reducing the depth of field, most of the photos look flat and dull, the typography and design is bland and uninviting. A pity because such wonderful photos deserve better

Roy Stryker and Nancy Wood co-authored a good selection of FSA photos in their book 'In This Proud Land' and the Library of Congress web site has a huge selection of FSA work accessible through their search engine.

Rating:
Summary: Railroads in thirties rural America
Review: Another book of Farm Security Agency photos is always welcome and author Vandercook has found 140 that feature railroads (and some streetcars). All these photos tell a story because the photographers had very tight shooting scripts organised by their boss Roy Stryker, his railroad script had up to 80 items to be covered. Unfortunately the production of this book does not do justice to the wonderful images. The black areas of the photos end up as dark greys so reducing the depth of field, most of the photos look flat and dull, the typography and design is bland and uninviting. A pity because such wonderful photos deserve better

Roy Stryker and Nancy Wood co-authored a good selection of FSA photos in their book 'In This Proud Land' and the Library of Congress web site has a huge selection of FSA work accessible through their search engine.