Pierre Fatumbi Verger: United States of America 1934 & 1937

A new book about Pierre Fatumbi Verger's photographs has been released. The images, which capture black America before the war, show a greater range of interest in his work than previously thought. Verger's pictures offer a nuanced portrait of black communities, full of aspirational intent and beauty. The book includes 150 previously unpublished photographs, along with accompanying texts and images that shine a light on Verger's life and later career. Verger is considered one of the most outstanding photographers of the twentieth century and his photographs contribute to our understanding of the 1930s in the U.S.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Damiani

New studies of Vergers archive reveal a more diverse range of interest in his pictures, many of which celebrated the jazz age nightlife and an emerging professional class. The rediscovered images are collected in a new book that offers a nuanced portrait of black America before the war.

Vergers pictures offer a different perspective: thoughtful, often hopeful images of arresting individuals in black communities, full of aspirational intent and not shy of beauty.

Verger devoted his life to the study of the African diaspora across the world, always alive to human joys as well as social hardships.

The Observer calls the collection an illuminating one.

The 150 photographs, most previously unpublished, are indeed vibrant and full of energy, while the accompanying texts and images shine a light on this part of his life as well as his later career. This is an excellent study of a 20th-century great, for existing fans and those new to his work.

B&W Magazine praises the book as an excellent study of a 20th-century great, for existing fans and those new to his work.

Pierre Fatumbi Verger is considered one of the most outstanding photographers of the twentieth century as well as a recognized researcher in the field of African Diaspora and religion studies. Verger traveled to the United States of America in 1934 and 1937, during the Great Depression, producing a collection of stunning images that document the national symbols that configure American identity and the challenging social and economic atmosphere of the time. Verger was able to capture with great sensibility the complex cultural and racial diversity of the country, where many citizens still confront segregation and poverty, while struggling to live a better life. Vergers photographs constitute an extraordinary contribution to our understanding of the 1930s in the U.S., and to the growth of photojournalism, do.

Weight: 1358g
Dimension: 252 x 308 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788862087742