Abstract
The brevity of this bibliography can be blamed, not on its compiler's unwillingness to search the photography and journalism publications or the book shelves of numerous libraries and supply shops, but upon the editor's explicit instructions and the scarcity of material.
Professor Arpan's specific orders were: “The bibliography should contain references to photo-journalism only and should skip photography in general.” Precisely that was done, although “photo-journalism” was interpreted broadly. It meant that a few general books of special help should be included; it meant, also, a little attention to television and the news reel.
Having prepared a bibliography in the field of general journalism, the compiler knew that little had been written on photo-journalism. He was not prepared, however, for the realization that most writing on the subject is either badly out-of-date or superficial. Articles in such journals as Camera, American Photographer, Editor and Publisher, and Popular Photography usually are topical and timely but therefore highly perishable. So many technological changes have occurred in the past few years that whole books have become mere curiosities. Popular taste has affected photo-journalism also, stimulated by the growth of the picture magazine.
Photo-journalism, like newspaper circulation, radio news writing, and country journalism, is wide open for up-to-date and thorough treatment by textbook authors. At this writing there is no single book, dated later than 1939, which is intended as a basic text in a photo-journalism course or at least suitable for such use.
The compiler wishes to thank James Fosdick, assistant professor of photography, Kent State University, and C. Wesley Brewster, instructor in graphic arts, Syracuse University, for their suggestions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.