Gassan, Arnold. Handbook for Contemporary Photography. Second Edition, Revised and Expanded by Arnold Gassan.

Handbook Company, 1971, distributed by Light Impressions. Third printing, June 1972 with errata and additions.  Spiral bound, VG+ with minor signs of use.  From the estate of the late photographer Louis H. Draper.  135 pages.  Chapters: Basic Processes; Response & Critique; Advanced Processes; Non-Silver Processes (platinum, bichromate, gum print, Photogravure, Etching, Photo silkscreen); and Color Prints. Excellent guide to analog photography. Summary:

Handbook for Contemporary Photography (Second Edition, 1971) is a comprehensive technical manual and artistic guide by Arnold Gassan. While the first edition established a foundation for darkroom craft, this "Revised and Expanded" volume became a staple in university photography programs for its rigorous blend of chemistry, physics, and aesthetic theory.

Core Content and Technical Scope

The book serves as a "bridge" between basic hobbyist photography and professional fine-art practice. Gassan covers the entire lifecycle of an image, emphasizing total control over the medium:

• The Zone System: Gassan provides a clear, accessible interpretation of Ansel Adams’ Zone System, teaching students how to pre-visualize tones and adjust exposure and development accordingly.

• Chemistry and Processing: Deep dives into film developers, paper chemistry, and archival washing techniques to ensure the longevity of the print.

• Advanced Printing: Detailed instruction on dodging, burning, and the use of variable contrast filters to achieve a "fine print" quality.

• Alternative Processes: A hallmark of the revised edition is its inclusion of non-traditional methods, such as gum bichromate, cyanotype, and platinum printing, which were seeing a revival in the 1970s art world.

Artistic Philosophy

Unlike dry technical manuals, Gassan integrates the why with the how.

• Visual Literacy: The book includes sections on the history of photography and the development of a personal "visual language."

• The "Contemporary" Focus: It addresses the shift toward photography as a serious gallery art form, discussing the importance of mounting, sequencing, and presentation.

Key Information

• Published: 1971 by Handbook Company (distributed by Light Impressions).

• Format: Softcover, "workbook" style format designed for use in the lab, featuring diagrams, charts, and monochrome photographic examples.

• Significance: In the early 1970s, this was the "bible" for many art students. It moved photography education away from mere "snapshots" toward a disciplined, craft-oriented mastery of light and silver.

Summary: Arnold Gassan’s Handbook is an essential artifact of photographic education. It remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in the traditional chemical processes that define the "pre-digital" era of contemporary art photography.