Author(s): Mary Street Alinder

Art

First published in 1996, Mary Street Alinder's biography of Ansel Adams remains the only full biography of one of the greatest American photographers. Alinder is a respected scholar, but also had a personal connection to Adams, serving as his chief assistant in the last five years of his life. Alinder assisted him with his autobiography, and edited a volume of his letters. Her biography is uniquely informed on his philosphy and personality and likely to remain unrivaled.
Though the portrait Alinder creates is affectionate, it is also clear-eyed. She takes on his difficult childhood in San Francisco, friendships and rivalries within his circle of photgraphers, complex professional relationships, his marriage, his affairs, and his not-always-successful fatherhood. She is deeply informed on his artistic influences and principles, his photographic techniques and styles.
This new edition will bring the classic up to date with new information, including the later years and death of Adams' widow, Virginia Best Adams. It will also include approximately 20 b&w reproductions of Adams' work and snapshots of the artist.