Featuring iconic and rarely seen images from the foremost photographer of North America's Native peoples, together with a rich selection of rare ephemera, this retrospective is an extensive and in-depth study of Edward Curtis's pioneering work. Edward S. Curtis is considered one of the world's most famous and accomplished photographers - and justly so, given the depth and breadth of his monumental study of North America's Native peoples and his artistry. This volume looks at three aspects of Curtis's lifetime achievement: Curtis as a highly skilled photographer and printmaker; his vast oeuvre; and the complex man behind the camera. Featuring a unique selection of expertly reproduced vintage Curtis photographs, this book highlights both iconic and previously little-known images. Every type of subject matter, cultural and geographic area, genre of photography, and medium in which Curtis worked is represented, notably his photogravures, silver prints, and rarely seen Orotones and platinum prints. Many of the prints have a distinguished provenance: Edward S. Curtis's personal collection, or important public or private collections built over the past forty years.

Penetrating essays - historical, analytical, and scholarly - explore every facet of Curtis's life and work. Monumental and breathtaking, this book is a fitting commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Curtis's birth. AUTHOR: William Ewing is a well-known curator and writer on photography. From 1996-2010, he was Director of the Musee de l'Elysee, Lausanne, and Director of Exhibitions at the International Center of Photography, New York, from 1977-1984. 250 colour illustrations.