Annuals. British Journal of Photography Annual 1978, edited by Geoffrey Crawley.

Henry Greenwood & Co./Amphoto, 1978.  Very good (some page crimps) in hardcover with near fine protected dust jacket.  No marks or tears. Includes illustrated essay on Imogen Cunningham by Thomas Joshua Cooper and Gerry Badger, pages 126-139, and illustrated history of stereographic imagery and cameras by Neville Maude, pages 140-149.  Other photographers and topics: Gerry Badger; Kurt Benning; Jane Bown; Barbara Cook; Paul Hill; David Hockney; Graham Hughes; Royston Jones; Paul Joyce; Barry Kay; Ulrich Mack; Jon Pasmore; Chris Steele-Perkins; Ian Stern; Jill Stinchcombe; Howard Spector; Homer Sykes; Single Lens Reflex Cameras; Directories; Formulas, et al. Summary:

The British Journal of Photography (BJP) Annual 1978, edited by Geoffrey Crawley, is a sophisticated volume that highlights the growing intersection between contemporary practice, historical scholarship, and high-level technical analysis. This edition is particularly noted for its deep dives into the lives of photography’s pioneers and the evolution of specialized imaging.

Key Illustrated Essays

• Imogen Cunningham (Pages 126–139) by Thomas Joshua Cooper and Gerry Badger: This significant 14-page retrospective honors the legendary American photographer who had passed away just two years prior (1976). Written by two highly influential photographer-critics, the essay explores Cunningham's transition from Pictorialism to the sharp-focus f/64 Group aesthetic. It highlights her versatility—ranging from her iconic botanical studies and "Magnolia" close-ups to her intimate portraits and street photography—positioning her as a cornerstone of 20th-century modernism.

• Stereographic Imagery and Cameras (Pages 140–149) by Neville Maude: Maude provides a meticulously illustrated history of 3D photography. This 10-page chapter chronicles the 19th-century craze for stereoscopes, the optical principles behind binocular vision, and the specific evolution of twin-lens cameras. It serves as a vital technical and cultural record of how photographers first attempted to replicate depth and "reality" long before holographic or digital 3D.

Additional Features

• The Picture Section: The 1978 Annual continues the trend of showcasing the "New British Photography," featuring portfolios that prioritize personal expression and social observation over traditional commercial aesthetics.

• The Technical Year: Geoffrey Crawley offers his rigorous annual review of photographic hardware. In 1978, the focus was heavily on the "electronics revolution" in SLR cameras, specifically the burgeoning use of microprocessors for automatic exposure.

• Professional Reference: The book includes updated directories of photographic organizations, galleries, and a thorough section on contemporary chemical formulas and processing standards for the darkroom professional.

Significance

The 1978 Annual is highly regarded for its intellectual weight. By pairing a critical appreciation of a master like Cunningham with a scholarly history of stereography, the editors (Crawley and Ellis) reinforced the idea that a professional photographer should be as well-versed in the history and physics of the medium as they are in modern camera operation.