The Photobook: A History (Martin Parr and Gerry Badger) (3 Vols)

 Seminal three-volume work chronicling the evolution of the photobook as a medium for artistic and documentary expression. Condition: near fine set.

The first volume provides a comprehensive overview of the photobook’s development from the 19th century through the 1970s. It examines over 200 photobooks, highlighting their significance in the history of photography. Notable inclusions are Walker Evans’ American Photographs (1938) and Kikuji Kawada’s The Map (1965) .​

Building upon the foundation laid in Volume I, the second volume explores the photobook’s evolution from the 1970s onward. It covers a diverse range of themes, including company photobooks, artists’ photobooks, and those compiled by editors. This volume also addresses the most recent photobooks that chronicle contemporary life.

The final volume brings the series up to date, focusing on photobooks published after World War II. It delves into contemporary themes such as diaristic photography, propaganda publications, and the impact of the Internet and social media on the nature of the photobook.