Title
Jim Shaughnessy Essential Witness: Sixty Years of Railroad Photography,Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
A comprehensive survey of master railroad photographer Jim Shaughnessys images of the railroad in North America in the transitional era from steam locomotives to diesel powered engines Jim Shaughnessy is an essential witness to six decades of change in North American railroading, from the late 1940s into the twentyfirst century. His photographic achievement is one of the pinnacles of railroad photography as a genre, which he, along with others of his generation, raised to the level of art, worthy of consideration beyond the world of trains and the interest of rail fans.The early years of his career coincided with the dramatic shift in the railroad industry from the steam locomotive to the diesel engine. During those transition years of the 1940s and 1950s, Shaughnessy was there to record every nuance and every detail with uncommon insight and unrelenting dedication. Shaughnessy loved steam, but he also embraced diesel. It was a period of transition, and it would only happen once, and he made the most of it, for he understood that he was a witness to history.Born and raised in Troy, New York, a city with a deep industrial heritage rooted in iron and steel, Shaughnessy began by documenting the railroad scene in the Northeastern United States. His interests and travels also took him to other areas of the country to document the Rio Grande narrow gauge in Colorado and the Union Pacific Big Boys in Wyoming, and into Canada and Mexico as well.Shaughnessy distinguished himself from the previous generation of railroad photographers by thinking more photographically and exploring the creative potential of the medium, challenging the conservative vision that had dominated railroad photography through to midcentury. This led him to see beyond the trains themselves to visually interpret the industrial and cultural landscape through which they moved. And so he documented the railroad environment, set within village, town, and city as well as rural and wilderness landscapes. He not only photographed the trains and locomotives, but contextualized the railroad by depicting the personnel, the infrastructure, and architecture, documenting for posterity the workers behind the machines that operated in the depots, roundhouses, and back shops. He captured a sense of place and time in astutely observed moments during both day and night in all seasons. Particularly striking are his images of trains at nightas author and historian Lucius Beebe once described Shaughnessys work, He was master in the massive effects of black and white.Drawn from a lifetimes work and an archive of some 60,000 images, the principal focus of this revealing new book is on the decades of the 1950s and 1960s, perhaps the most dynamic era of North American railroading. 150 duotone illustrations
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Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main focus of Jim Shaughnessy's photography? A: Jim Shaughnessy's photography primarily captures the transition in North American railroading from steam locomotives to diesel engines, documenting significant changes in the industry from the late 1940s through the 1960s.
- Q: How many photographs are included in the book? A: The book features 150 duotone illustrations, showcasing a selection of Jim Shaughnessy's extensive body of work.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover, providing durability and a premium feel.
- Q: When was 'Jim Shaughnessy Essential Witness' published? A: The book was published on October 3, 2017.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author of the book is Jim Shaughnessy, a renowned railroad photographer.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is in new condition, ensuring that it is pristine and ready for reading or display.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains 192 pages filled with photographs and insights into railroad photography.
- Q: What makes Jim Shaughnessy's work significant? A: Jim Shaughnessy's work is significant for its artistic approach to railroad photography, capturing not just trains but the cultural and industrial landscapes they inhabit.
- Q: Is the book suitable for railroad enthusiasts? A: Yes, the book is ideal for railroad enthusiasts as it provides a comprehensive look at a pivotal era in railroading through the lens of a master photographer.
- Q: What types of landscapes are featured in the photographs? A: The photographs feature a variety of landscapes, including urban, rural, and industrial settings, showcasing the context in which railroads operate.