Rating: 
Summary: Great Pictures - Commentary Stinks
Review: Who could not be intrigued with the faces illustrating this book. This is a wonderful collection of early photography. As one looks into the eyes of each subject, one longs to look into their mind and soul. "What is the true story behind this picture?"To answer that question, don't read the commentary. It is clear Jackie Wilson had an "adgenda" and he went way out to proclaim his propoganda. It's a shame, his words ruined a otherwise poignant collection. Mr. Wilson relates a story of women abolitionists to discribe the photograph on page 27 stating this is simply a picture of a black and white woman ignoring the presence of the child. Blinded by his own prejudices, he fails to see the striking resemblence between all three around the eyes and the mouth. He brushes away the fact that the little girl leans toward the older woman, yet holds hands with both. He ignores the leaning in of the older woman toward the child. I'm no expert, but clearly I see a Mother with her adult Daughter and Granddaughter. On page 46 Mr. Wilson discribes the beads worn by the "Seated Black Woman" as "rarely seen African trade beads, a form of currency in Africa, which may well symbolize her awareness of her ancestral links." Huh? The woman is clearly wearing Rosary Beads. A form of prayer used by Roman Catholics. Obviously, the woman wants to share her awareness of her Faith. I'm surprised an editor let that pass. No one will ever know the true stories behind these photographs, but interpretations that bear no resemblance to the truth make this a book which has a questionable crediblility.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Photographs, Forget the Commentary
Review: Who could not be intrigued with the faces illustrating this book. This is a wonderful collection of early photography. As one looks into the eyes of each subject, one longs to look into their mind and soul. "What is the true story behind this picture?" To answer that question, don't read the commentary. It is clear Jackie Wilson had an "adgenda" and he went way out to proclaim his propoganda. It's a shame, his words ruined a otherwise poignant collection. Mr. Wilson relates a story of women abolitionists to discribe the photograph on page 27 stating this is simply a picture of a black and white woman ignoring the presence of the child. Blinded by his own prejudices, he fails to see the striking resemblence between all three around the eyes and the mouth. He brushes away the fact that the little girl leans toward the older woman, yet holds hands with both. He ignores the leaning in of the older woman toward the child. I'm no expert, but clearly I see a Mother with her adult Daughter and Granddaughter. On page 46 Mr. Wilson discribes the beads worn by the "Seated Black Woman" as "rarely seen African trade beads, a form of currency in Africa, which may well symbolize her awareness of her ancestral links." Huh? The woman is clearly wearing Rosary Beads. A form of prayer used by Roman Catholics. Obviously, the woman wants to share her awareness of her Faith. I'm surprised an editor let that pass. No one will ever know the true stories behind these photographs, but interpretations that bear no resemblance to the truth make this a book which has a questionable crediblility.
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