Eugene Smith is the master of the photographic essay; he created essays which include some of the most dramatic and affecting single images of the twentieth century. Fiercely energetic, he made countless photographs memorable for their formal brilliance and for their compassion. This volume of Aperture's Masters of Photography presents more than 70 of Smith's greatest photographs, selected from work created over the course of 45 years. Smith's interests were broad; his work spanned subject matter from the process of birth to the horrors of death in action. Included here are photographs from Smith's most celebrated photo-essays, including Country Doctor, Spanish Village, Pittsburgh and Minamata, as well as examples of his World War II work and selections from the later, more introspective work made in his loft in New York City. In his introductory essay, Jim Hughes, Smith's biographer, provides an overview of Smith's life, and insight into his work.

    American Photographs includes three essays including facets of Lang's work, including her role in the evolution of American documentary style; her relationship with members of group f.64and the notion of photography as an art form in California; and her unique collaborative relationship with her husband sociologist Paul Taylor.

    Such paintings as House by the Railroad, Early Sunday Morning, and Nighthawks seem to embody the very character of our time. Yet few people have penetrated the mask of Hopper's public image. Here, Gail Levin has gone beyond the standard evaluations of the man and his work to investigate the authentic identity of the artist and the way his personality informed his art. She has uncovered aspects of Hopper's life (and even unknown works) that provide the first comprehensive view of the artists early development.The fascinating and often poignant story of Hopper's long struggle for recognition gives new insight into his later pessimism. A complex man is revealed, introspective and intellectual, yet romantic, illuminating the many levels of meaning in the paintings of his maturity.In addition to Hopper's watercolors and oil paintings, there are study drawings for his major works and documentary photographs illuminating all phases of his life.