Understanding a Photograph

Book excerpt: John Berger’s explorations of the relationships between the individual and society, culture and politics, and experience and expression through the written word, films, photographic collaborations and performances are unmatched in their diversity, ambition and reach. His television series and book Ways of Seeingrevolutionized the way that art is understood. Now, Understanding a Photographgathers the photography writings of one of the most internationally influential authors of the past 50 years. Understanding a Photographis arranged chronologically, leading the reader on a thought-provoking journey through selected essays from hallmark works such as “About Looking” and “Another Way of Telling,” as well as previously uncollected pieces written for exhibitions or catalogues that discuss a wide range of artists--from August Sander to Jitka Hanzlová. This collection of some 25 texts has been carefully selected by novelist and essayist Geoff Dyer, who has also written a critical study of Berger’s oeuvre. John Berger(born 1926) is a novelist, poet, screenwriter and critic. He is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including To the Wedding, About Lookingand G., for which he was awarded the Booker Prize. Among his best-known works are the television series and book, Ways of Seeing. He has received prestigious awards for his writing, including the Petrarca-Preis and a Golden PEN Award.