Our book last night was Mathew Brady: Portraits of a Nation by Robert Wilson. Mathew Brady did not invent daguerreotypes, ambrotypes or photography, but he did a great deal to make the taking and display of photographs a huge part of American culture. His photographic cartes de visite (visiting cards) became necessary accessories for any cultured lady or gentleman. His portraits of celebrities and politicians became standard decorations for the walls of all but the poorest homes and the Civil War photographs he either took or commissioned have become part of our nation’s history and conscientiousness. His impact on the tradition and story of America was huge. The book is his biography and tells the story of his introduction to photography, his business failures and successes, the perfection of his art and the difficulties of his personal life. Our discussion was wide-ranging and lively, covering photography as both art and history, the Victorian obsession with death and mourning, 3-D printing, the importance of preserving our heritage, both personal and national, the role of the image, both still and moving, in history, and much more. A good time was had by all.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 7:00 pm. The book to be discussed, Tesla: Inventor of the Electrical Age by W. Bernard Carlson, is available at the Circulation desk. All are welcome.pending autumn chill to attend the book discussion last night. Their presence, as always, was much appreciated.
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