First published 2008
Richard Avedon and James Baldwin collaborated in 1963-64 to create this examination of American society. The former high school friends combined Avedon's photography with Baldwin's four-part essay to critique a nation they saw as disconnected and unjust. Avedon photographed subjects ranging from civil rights leaders to mental institution patients, from American Nazi Party members to poet Allen Ginsberg. His images juxtapose General Eisenhower with Malcolm X, and weary patients with embracing families. Baldwin writes about his personal experience with police harassment in New York City and argues that America faces an existential crisis. Despite their harsh assessment, both men conclude with the necessity and power of love. Art director Marvin Israel designed the oversized book in a white slipcase, creating what became an influential template for photography books. This reprint includes a 72-page booklet with unpublished photographs, correspondence, and layouts, plus an essay by Hilton Als about the friendship between Avedon and Baldwin.
Genres: 20th-century, american, african-american, non-fiction, biography-memoir, photography
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: critique-of-society, friendship, social-commentary
Setting: New York City
Period: 1963-1964
Penguin