Just published: What's wrong with Daguerre? Reconsidering old and new views on the invention of photography

[Hans Rooseboom]

Following the introduction of the daguerreotype process in 1839, Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre was initially regarded as the principal inventor of photography. It was not long, however, before the legitimacy of this title fell under dispute. Other inventors, including Joseph-Nicéphore Niépce and William Henry Fox Talbot most notably, were seen as possible rivals. This debate about the rightful claimant, otherwise known as the ‘priority debate’, has remained an important issue for many photohistorians ever since.

Although Daguerre always plays a role in publications discussing the advent of photography, he is not always treated favourably. His reputation has become damaged over time as, intentionally or not, photohistorians fall back on clichéd arguments and generalisations. 

Daguerre’s rivals, including Niépce, Talbot, and Hippolyte Bayard, are at times pushed by photohistorians, many of whom rely on various pieces of evidence to strengthen their cases, like lawyers in a courtroom drama.

What’s wrong with Daguerre? shows that wishful thinking and preconceptions, national pride and commercial attitudes play a significant role in photohistoric writing. Although the inventors are long gone and their processes have long since been eclipsed by modern techniques, the old rivalry between them continues. What’s wrong with Daguerre? explores the reasons why Daguerre and the daguerreotype are often devalued, and analyses why advocacy on behalf of Talbot and his calotype process has been so successful.

 

Hans Rooseboom, What's wrong with Daguerre? Reconsidering old and new views on the invention of photography

35 pp., soft cover, 21 cm, € 7,00 (shipping not included)

 

 For ordering details see below or contact the author: [e-mail]

  

Please note that this book can only be ordered from the author/publisher.

 

Price (shipping & handling included)

Within the Netherlands: € 9,00

To other European countries: € 9,75

Outside Europe: € 10,30 / USD 14.00 / CAD 14.00

 

Orders

To order a copy please email us your name, address and the payment method you have chosen.

Our email address is [e-mail].

 

In case you would like to order more than one copy, please email us to determine the (more favorable) shipping & handling costs.

 

We prefer payment by bank transfer or PayPal. We only accept cash payment when sent as a registered letter.

 

Payment methods

Bank transfers to

Hans Rooseboom [name]

Hugo de Grootkade 7 III [street]

Amsterdam [city]

Netherlands [country]

Account no. ING Bank 4749420

IBAN: NL06INGB0004749420

BIC: INGBNL2A

 

Paypal

See paypal.com and follow the instructions. Our PayPal account is [e-mail]

 

Please note

In all cases please email us your name, address and the payment method you have chosen. Our email address is [e-mail]

 

Nescio – Hugo de Grootkade 7 III – 1052 LN Amsterdam – Netherlands

 

Website: www.nescioprivatepress.blogspot.com