Lewis W. Hine. America at Work

More than 300 photographs by Lewis W. Hine, whose trailblazing documentary images of early 20th-century working conditions helped to transform United States labor laws. This book covers all eras of Hine’s work, including his pictures of child laborers, of new immigrants on Ellis Island, and of the construction of the Empire State Building.

Format: Hardback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Lewis W. Hine (1874-1940) was a photographer, teacher, and sociologist who profoundly shaped our understanding of American working life in the early 20th century. Hine's unique combination of education and humanist values set him apart as one of the earliest photographers to use the camera as a documentary tool, capturing the lives of workers in various industries, including cotton mills, factories, coal mines, and fields. His powerful images, depicting children in these harsh environments, became iconic symbols of photographic history and played a significant role in transforming labor laws in the United States.

This comprehensive book showcases a selection of Lewis W. Hine's photography from throughout his career. It encompasses his early forays into social-documentary work, his more artistic and interpretative late photographs, and his remarkable images of the construction of the Empire State Building and his commentary on the increasing industrialization. Accompanying the nearly 350 photographs are an essay by the editor, providing an introduction to Hine's life and pioneering work.

Hine's photography not only documented the realities of working-class life but also brought attention to the social and economic conditions that shaped these individuals' lives. His images of children in cotton mills, factories, and coal mines, for example, highlighted the harsh working conditions and long hours that these children endured. They served as a powerful catalyst for change, leading to the implementation of safety regulations and improved working conditions in these industries.

In addition to his documentary work, Hine was also an educator who believed in the power of photography to educate and inspire. He taught photography at various schools and universities, including the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and his students went on to become some of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Hine's emphasis on social justice and human rights was a hallmark of his work, and his photographs continue to be a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting change.

This book is a testament to Lewis W. Hine's enduring legacy as a photographer, teacher, and sociologist. It provides a comprehensive view of his pioneering work and its impact on American society. Hine's photographs are not only beautiful and evocative but also serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility in our world. They continue to inspire and educate us, reminding us of the power of photography to document and shape history.

Weight: 1298g
Dimension: 203 x 145 x 48 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836572347
Edition number: Multilingual ed