Shadow Catcher: How Edward S. Curtis Documented American Indian Dignity and Beauty

by Michael Burgan

Overview

At the turn of the 20th century, photographer Edward S. Curtis devoted his life to learning all he could about American Indians and sharing it with world. He took his first photo of an American Indian in 1895, and for the next 30 years he traveled the West and north to Alaska to chronicle traditional native culture. The result was a magnificent—and controversial—20-volume project, The North American Indian. While some scholars and American Indians found fault with the work Curtis published, many others greatly appreciated it. His grand endeavor was nearly forgotten when he died in 1952, but Curtis' rediscovered photographs are now recognized as treasures that will live forever.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780756549985
Publisher:	Capstone
Publication date:	01/01/2015
Series:	Captured History Series
Pages:	64
Sales rank:	1,119,938
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 10.25(h) x 0.19(d)
Lexile:	1040L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Michael Burgan has written numerous books for children and young adults during his nearly 20 years as a freelance writer. Many of his books have focused on U.S. history, geography, and the lives of world leaders. Michael has won several awards for his writing, and his graphic novel version of the classic tale Frankenstein (Stone Arch Books) was a Junior Library Guild selection.  Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in history. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his cat, Callie.

Table of Contents

The shadow catcher — Quest for photos, and money — Successes and struggles — "The cause" lives on.

Interviews

Primary source quotes Outstanding photographs Engaging, narrative nonfiction Maps Extensive research Expert consultation

Editorial Reviews

Top 10 Continuing Series! The stunning books in this series view history through the lens of groundbreaking photographs, zooming in on iconic moments and then placing them in greater historical context. Look for series subsets in world history and sports, too.

Booklist

04/01/2015
Gr 6 Up—These latest additions in this series are every bit as excellent as their predecessors. With The Golden Spike, Nardo explores the work of photographer Andrew J. Russell during the building of the transcontinental railroad. In addition to describing the mind-boggling obstacles faced by Russell and his team (toting equipment that was expensive, delicate, and cumbersome; the effects of the elements), Nardo frames the narrative within the wider story of Manifest Destiny, the destruction of nature, and the displacement of Native Americans. With Shadow Catcher, Burgan chronicles ethnologist and photographer Edward S. Curtis's commitment to chronicling the daily life of several Native American tribes for his massive book The North American Indian. Both books feature well-written and accessible text, but it is the stunning photography that will keep readers entranced. VERDICT Informative and downright gorgeous.

School Library Journal