An entertaining and comprehensive compendium packed with fascinating trivia, delightful oddities, and compelling stories that will captivate photographers of all levels and interests!

Dive into photography's rich heritage with A Brief History of Photography, an engaging almanac-style book that offers far more than just the typical and dry historical accounts of the genre. With more than 400 fascinating trivia entries and delightfully odd anecdotes, this book breathes life into the background details, stories, and personalities behind the cameras and processes we know and love.

Meticulously researched and written over two decades, this thoroughly entertaining and highly readable book provides an understanding of photography's evolution, from its beginnings going as far back as the 16th century all the way up to the modern day. Whether you’re dipping into the book for just a few minutes or sitting down for an afternoon of reading, you’ll explore the seminal cameras, lenses, and chemical processes that paved the way, as well as the visionary inventors, influential magazines, and significant photographers who made photography what it is today.

Profusely illustrated with both photographs and line drawings, A Brief History of Photography is an essential addition to any photographer's library. Whether you're a seasoned professional, an avid enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the magic of capturing images with your smartphone, this book offers an entertaining and educational look into the genre's rich history. The perfect gift—for either yourself or the photographer on your list—A Brief History of Photography is a must-have for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary art form.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction

The Early Years

1800–1849

1850–1899

1900–1949

1950–1974

1975–1999

2000–Now

Further Reading

Glossary

Image Credits

Index

Canadian photographer David S. Young has been behind a camera since the early 1960s, capturing images in 34 countries. His articles and photographs have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines, in both Canada and the USA, while his photographs grace walls from the Ukraine to Abu Dhabi to Tasmania. David has been a guest speaker and presenter at photographers’ conventions in Germany, across the USA and, of course, his native Canada. He has judged the National Nature and National Open competitions for CAPA (The Canadian Association for Photographic Art) and has served on the board of the International Leica Society.

Now retired, he has found time to write and lives with his wife, dog, and two cats in Logan Lake, BC, Canada.

David S. Young's profile page

“Wow! [I'd like to say] how enormously impressed I am with your history of photography. To compile that much information, covering so many different aspects of such a very wide subject matter, is an amazing feat. It's just before midnight now...and I've been reading non-stop for about four hours. Once again: WOW!”

—David Scollard, Publisher, Canada

“Terrific. Full of illuminating stories.”

—Adrian Bradshaw, Photographer/Author, England

“Your book is fantastic! So much information...as far as I'm concerned, your book is worth way more than what you are charging.”

—Michael Levy, Photographer, Canada

“I have been going over (and over) your book...it is quite remarkable...in every sense of the word. Congratulations!"

—David Medley, Photographer, USA

“The most comprehensive and concise compilation of camera/photography information...in print today. Two thumbs up!”

—Mark Vitaris, Photographer/Author, Canada