Annuals. American Annual of Photography 1940. Volume 54.

American Photographic Publishing Co., 1939.  Hardcover in yellow cloth, very good with moderate evidence of use on covers.  322 pages plus 66 advertising pages.  Articles include “Photography Goes Forward – A Review of a Decade of Progress,” by Glenn E. Matthews; “Winter Mountain Photography Above the Timberlane,” by Alfred A. Monner; “The Ceramic Photo-Process” by E. Borg, et al.  Ilustrations by Frank R. Fraprie, Liu Shu-Chong, Alexander Keighly, Leonard Misonne, Ethel M. Smith, Max Thorek, and many others.  Uncommon in hardcover. Summary:

The American Annual of Photography 1940 (Volume 54) serves as a pivotal historical marker, looking back at a transformative decade for the medium while showcasing the height of international Pictorialism. Published just as the 1930s closed, this volume balances a technical celebration of the "Modern Age" with a deep commitment to the traditional, painterly aesthetics of the global salon circuit.

Key Essays and Technical Reviews

This volume is particularly noted for its retrospective look at the 1930s and its inclusion of specialized, niche photographic processes:

• "Photography Goes Forward – A Review of a Decade of Progress" by Glenn E. Matthews: This lead essay is a vital historical document. Matthews chronicles the staggering technical leaps of the 1930s, including the perfection of Kodachrome, the rise of high-speed flash, the miniaturization of cameras (the "Leica era"), and the burgeoning influence of sound-on-film.

• "Winter Mountain Photography Above the Timberline" by Alfred A. Monner: A specialized guide for the adventure photographer. Monner discusses the unique challenges of high-altitude light, extreme contrast in snow, and the physical demands of capturing the "sublime" in harsh winter environments.

• "The Ceramic Photo-Process" by E. Borg: This essay highlights the "Annual's" dedication to craft, providing a technical breakdown of how to fire photographic images onto ceramic surfaces—a process that bridged the gap between photography and decorative arts.

Pictorial Illustrations and Global Artistry

The 1940 edition is distinguished by an incredibly diverse and prestigious roster of international photographers, representing the last flourish of the "International Salon" before World War II curtailed global artistic exchange:

• Leonard Misonne & Alexander Keighley: These titans of European Pictorialism contribute works defined by atmospheric haze and romanticized, "Old World" landscapes.

• Frank R. Fraprie & Max Thorek: Leaders of the American "Fine Art" school, focusing on rigorous composition and the "Heroic" portrait.

• Liu Shu-Chong: Representing the significant influence of Chinese pictorialists, whose work often blended Western photographic techniques with traditional Eastern compositional sensibilities.

• Ethel M. Smith: A prominent female voice in the salon world, known for her evocative and technically precise studies.

Historical Context

Volume 54 is unique because it documents a world on the precipice. While Glenn Matthews’ essay celebrates technological progress, the pictorial plates celebrate a pastoral, peaceful world. Within months of publication, the "decade of progress" would be redirected toward military applications, and the international community of photographers seen in these pages would be fractured by the onset of global conflict.

Summary Takeaway

The American Annual of Photography 1940 is a dual-purpose archive. It acts as a scientific record of the "Golden Age of Camera Tech" and a final, grand gallery of international Pictorialism. It is an essential volume for understanding how photographers at the end of the 1930s viewed their own history and the limitless potential of their craft.