Photo & Word by David Robertson.

Boise State University Western Writers Series, Number 12, 1997. Cover by Jack Fulton. Extended essay on the artwork by David Robertson (University of California at Davis) and photographs by these photographers, who incorporate text in their work: Jack Fulton; Drex Brooks; Macduff Everton; Wanda Hammerbeck; S. Strom; Ralph Hattersley; Lou Stoumen; Peter Brown; Mark Klett; Stephen Trimble; and Ted Orland. Selected bibliography. Stapled wraps, 8 x 1/2 x 11 inches, 40 pages, fine. Summary:

Photo & Word (1997) is a unique, 40-page creative nonfiction monograph written by David Robertson and published as part of the Boise State University Western Writers Series. Deviating from the series' standard pocket-sized text formats, this installment was released as a larger, heavily illustrated special issue that investigates the intersection of regional literature and imagery.

The work serves as both a theoretical exploration and an artistic demonstration of how text and photography interact to capture the spirit of the American West.

Key Themes & Structural Elements

• Intermedia Synergy: Robertson explores the dynamic spectrum between pure literature and pure photography. He argues that while imagery often begins as a mere tool for history or textbook documentation, a true artistic synthesis occurs when text and photograph share equal weight, requiring imagination to bridge the two.

• The Creative Nonfiction Essay: The core text functions as a lyrical, reflective essay on landscape, space, and memory. It challenges traditional critical boundaries by weaving personal narrative and artistic philosophy into the discussion of Western regional identity.

• Visual Portfolio: The monograph is anchored by eight of Robertson's own photographs, featuring five black-and-white and three color plates.

• Scholarly Context: True to the mission of the Western Writers Series, the publication includes a comprehensive bibliography.