Of Battle and Beauty: Felice Beato's Photographs of China

Berkely/Los Angeles/London: Univery of California Press, 2000. Book. Very Good. Soft cover. 1st Edition. The book is in very good condition, little shelf rubbing apparent, one instance of dog earring. Text and images inside appear clean and clear throughout. 'Accompanying the British Army during its decisive foray into China in 1860, Felice Beato (1820-1907) was the first photographer to document a military campaign in progress. He captured not only the immediacy of war, the aftermath of battle, and strategic military positions, but also the sumptuous new Summer Palace (seen by few Chinese and even fewer foreigners) before its destruction by the British. His photographic record of the Second Opium War consisted of approximately one hundred images, including a number of panoramic views, which survive in the form of private albums originally compiled by British officers as a record of their victorious campaign. One such album, now in the collection of Jane and Michael Wilson, is presented here. In addition to providing a strikingly beautiful glimpse of nineteenth-century China, these images also reveal how photography functioned as an integral component of British imperialism by shaping perceptions about a distant country and its culture. Essayist David Harris provides an overview of Beato's work in China, and his extensive catalog notes describe and contextualize each of the photographs.' 185 pages. 10.5 x 10.9 inches. May require additional postage. This listing was made by a small independent book shop. We carefully inspect every single book we list and give accurate descriptions. If you require we will promptly send pictures of listed books upon request. .