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Jim Shaughnessy Essential Witness: Sixty Years of Railroad Photography,Used
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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
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book contains one hundred ninety-two pages. It provides a comprehensive overview of Jim Shaughnessy's photography over six decades.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures twelve point one inches in length, eleven point one inches in height, and zero point nine one inches in width. These dimensions make it a notable coffee table book.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This ensures durability and a high-quality presentation for displaying the stunning photographs.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author is Jim Shaughnessy, a renowned railroad photographer. His work captures the transition from steam to diesel locomotives.
- Q: What is the primary focus of the book? A: The primary focus is on Jim Shaughnessy's photographs from the nineteen fifties and sixties. This era was pivotal in North American railroading.
- Q: Is this book suitable for train enthusiasts? A: Yes, this book is ideal for train enthusiasts. It showcases a rich history of railroading through exceptional photography.
- Q: How can I use this book as a reference? A: You can use this book as a visual reference for railroad photography and history. It features detailed images and context about the railroad industry.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for children? A: Yes, the book is appropriate for older children and teenagers interested in photography or trains. It provides educational insights into railroad history.
- Q: What should I consider when displaying this book? A: When displaying this book, consider placing it in an area where it can be easily accessed. Its large format is perfect for coffee tables or bookshelves.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: To care for the book, keep it in a dry, cool place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent fading of the photographs.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, there is no warranty for this book. However, if it arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or replacement.
- Q: What if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, you should report the issue to the seller within a reasonable time frame. They can assist you with a return or replacement.
- Q: Can I return this book if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can typically return the book if you are unsatisfied, depending on the seller's return policy. Always check the specific return guidelines.
- Q: How do I store this book when not in use? A: Store the book upright on a shelf or in a bookcase. Ensure it is not stacked under heavy items to avoid damage.
- Q: What makes this book different from other railroad photography books? A: This book stands out due to Jim Shaughnessy's artistic approach. He not only captures trains but also the cultural landscapes surrounding them.
- Q: What type of illustrations are included in the book? A: The book includes one hundred fifty duotone illustrations. These images highlight the artistic quality of Shaughnessy's railroad photography.