"On Photography", by SUSAN SONTAG, published by Picador as paperback, ISBN 0-312-42009-9. You can buy it at Amazon for a mere $11 and get free shipping.
This book has been first published 35 years ago - roughly at the time when I've been taking my first steps in photography. Luckily for me, my mentor Jerzy Busza has made me aware of Susan Sontag and "On Photography". To this day, I get back to this book that I consider one of the most important books ever written on the phenomenon of photography (that's, of course, my private opinion), and it continues to open my eyes on many aspects of photography, at one time or another.
In this series of essays, photography is presented in historical, sociological and psychological contexts that regard both creators and consumers of photography. All that - in the light of contemporary sensibilities and a really deep reflection of a mind that works in its own, independent way.
You won't find here one reference to what is or is not a good photographic composition or how to convey a message or mood in your photographs. This book concentrates on "why" rather then "how". It deals entirely with the history of photography - not just art photography (but it concentrates heavily on art photography) - and with ways other arts and photography influence one another. More importantly, it discusses ways the reality shapes photography and how photography influences reality. Some of the topics covered in this book include those we already have discussed in Photosapien forum.
Most photographers without formal photo-education credentials (and some with credentials) base their understanding of photography on instincts, intuition and emulation of past trends and styles. But this book shows us where we came from and - to some extent - where we're headed.
Unfortunately, some close-minded and less imaginative writers do not like her train of thoughts. They feel threatened by her independence. Sontag's conclusions are not without controversy, but that's exactly what makes her book interesting and worth reading. One can always draw his/her own conclusions, once the seed of thought is planted. Without a controversy, without a difference of views, without questioning, there can not be any true understanding.
So, if you are a traditionalist and/or a novice in photography, it is not going to be the easiest of readings. Besides, there is not one photographic illustration in the entire book. Therefore, I do not recommend this book to anybody with an aversion to history or to deeper thinking in general. But I am sure that no one like that ever visits this forum...
P.S. There are at least two more books from the same author, that can be beneficial to any photographer - especially the one who experiences an evolution of his/her attitude towards and understanding of their place in the world of photography:
"Against Interpretation" and
"Regarding The Pain Of Others".
