Annuals. British Journal of Photography Annual 1979.

Henry Greenwood & Co. Distributed in the U.S.A. by Focal Press. Special chapters on pictorialist, Camera Work photographer Alvin Langdon Coburn and early documentary photographer John Thomas (not to be confused with John Thomson). Also the picture section includes many contemporary photographers such as Michael Kenna (early examples from his now flourishing career), Franco Fontana, Brian Fanning, Steven Johnston, Marilyn Stern, Jill Stinchcombe, Sarah King, Khu Khan, Carolyn Johns, Bob Carlos Clarke, and many others: Douglas Corrance;  Jurgen Schadeberg; Marcus Lempka; Yogish Sahota; Philip Fraser-Betts; Leo Mason; Sarah King; Ken Baird; Dick Jones; Jurgen Schadeberg; Nick Hedges; Len Dance; Franco Frezzato; Denis Thorpe; Jeffrey Veitch; Chris Wroblewski; Paul Wakefield, et al. Fine hardcover with very good dust jacket that has no losses but a couple of nicks on spine, minor edge wear and two short tears on rear. Summary:

The British Journal of Photography (BJP) Annual 1979, edited by Geoffrey Crawley, represents a pivotal moment in photographic history, marking the transition from the experimental 1970s into the highly polished, conceptually driven 1980s. While previous decades focused heavily on technical formulas, the 1979 edition prioritizes the "image as statement," showcasing a shift toward documentary realism and social commentary.

The Pictorial Evolution

The 1979 Annual is celebrated for its diverse "Portfolio" section, which moved away from traditional salon photography toward more challenging, avant-garde styles.

• Social Documentary: Reflecting the economic and social unrest of the late 70s, the book features gritty, monochrome studies of urban life and the working class, moving away from "pretty" landscapes toward "honest" ones.

• Color Maturity: This edition highlights the increasing sophisticated use of color film, which by 1979 was no longer viewed as a gimmick but as a legitimate medium for fine art and serious journalism.

Key Technical & Editorial Features

Despite the focus on imagery, the Annual maintained its reputation as a "technician’s bible" through several recurring sections:

• The Year’s Progress: An authoritative review by Geoffrey Crawley on the advancements in camera technology, specifically the rise of SLR automation and the integration of microprocessors (like those found in the Canon A-1, a sensation at the time).

• Formula Section: Even in 1979, the Annual provided detailed chemical formulas for specialized developers and toners, serving the dedicated community of darkroom enthusiasts who still mixed their own chemistry.

• International Reach: The 1979 volume significantly increased its scope, featuring photographers from across Europe and the United States, positioning the BJP as a truly global authority.

Notable Content

The 1979 edition is particularly known for featuring work that questioned the role of the camera in society:

• The "New Topographics" Influence: Elements of the "man-altered landscape" movement are visible in the portfolios, showing beauty in industrial sites and suburban sprawl.

• Retrospectives: True to its nature as an "Annual," it provided a comprehensive obituary and retrospective section, honoring the masters who had passed away while introducing the "new blood" that would define the next decade.

Historical Context: Published at the dawn of the digital revolution, the 1979 Annual captures the absolute pinnacle of analog precision, documenting a world where the silver-halide process reached its highest level of craft.