Focal Press just released the fourth edition classic publication The Focal Encyclopedia of Photography. Weighing in at over six pounds, this encyclopedia, now into its fifth decade of publication — the first addition appearing in 1956 — updates its predecessor, which appeared in 1993. Designed to be a reference for students, practitioners and researchers, this volume now uses a new informational design sharing the ever-changing breadth of photographic topics with a special emphasis on digital imaging and contemporary issues.
The Focal Encyclopedia of Photography was produced by an international team of photographic and imaging experts with collaboration from the George Eastman house. It also contains comprehensive essays as well as photographic reproductions, sharing information where photography and imaging serve a primary role. It is a non-traditional encyclopedia in that the subjects are grouped thematically as opposed to alphabetically. This will allow the subjects to be explored more naturally from within the context of their definition.
With over 800 pages this book is not divided into chapters, rather it is sectioned in to nine themes. After listing the ten pages of contributors and acknowledgements the book begins with a timeline of photography. There are really two timelines, the pre-photographic timeline from the 1200s to 1825 and the true photographic timeline from 1826 to 2005.These list all of the major developments within the history of photography from the simple glass lens, to Niepce's first photograph, to Kodak earning more from its digital products than from it film products.
"History and the evolution of Photography" is a wonderful section on the historical perspective from the George Eastman House and others. Discussed here is the technical evolution of photography in the 19th century, biographies of selected innovators, the evolution of the lens as well as photographic equipment of the time.
"Major Themes and Photographers of the 20th Century" gives a historical perspective of the growth of photography. Here we have photography and society, museums, and galleries. You have workshops, photographic higher education, magazines, biographies as well as the acceptance of photography into the fine art world.
"Photographic Companies and Applications" highlights the differing areas of photography such as advertising, catalog, commercial, still-life and landscape amongst many others. It also explores the vast number of tools that have come about throughout the years, mostly driven by society and what directions it is willing to accept. This was apparent in the quick demise of film and chemicals as being the preferred photographic method in less than a decade. These include the different types of cameras, films, and developers.
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