Famous Photographers by Aylesa Forsee. Biographies of 5 noted photographers.

Macrae Smith, 1968.  Hard cover, very good with some shelf wear on bottom edges, with good protected dust jacket that has a tear at top front near spine and some small spots of wear at edges. Yellow background on dust jacket spine faded.  Creases on inner flap of front dust jacket panel, which has a piece cut off bottom corner.  (Rear panel of dust jacket has original price.) 223 pages, illustrated.  Biographies intended for teenage readers, yet enjoyable for adults, of five influential photographers: Ansel Adams, Cecil Beaton, David Douglas Duncan, Yousuf Karsh, and Edward Steichen. Each chapter includes a portrait of the photographer and several samples of his work.  The author, Aylesa Forsee, also published Headliners: Famous American Journalists, which includes photographer Margaret Bourke-White. Uncommon in non-ex-library condition.  Summary:

Famous Photographers by Aylesa Forsee (originally published in 1968) is a nonfiction survey that profiles a small group of highly influential photographers to illustrate excellence in professional photography. The book’s subtitle indicates its focus: it examines the lives and work of five master practitioners, using their careers as lenses through which to understand what makes photography a significant and enduring art form.

Primary Focus

• Biographical and professional insight — The book highlights individual photographers’ backgrounds, artistic philosophies, and achievements, showing how each developed a distinct voice and contributed to the evolution of modern photography.

• Illustrative examples of excellence — Through these five case studies, Forsee demonstrates different approaches to visual expression and technical craft, offering readers an overview of varied styles and genreswithin the medium.
  

Themes and Approach

• Professional achievement — Forsee places emphasis on real-world success and recognition in the field, focusing on photographers who not only made compelling images but also influenced public perceptions of photography.

• Diversity of practice — By selecting photographers from different genres—portraiture, landscape, fashion, documentary, etc.—the book shows how photographic excellence can take many forms.

Audience and Significance

• Accessible to general readers and students — The book serves as an introductory resource for those interested in learning about major figures in photography and understanding what distinguishes memorable photographic work.

• Historical perspective — Published during a period when photography was increasingly recognized as a serious art form, the book reflects mid-20th-century appreciation for photographers who helped elevate the medium’s status.