Facing the Light: Historic American Portrait Daguerreotypes

The book is in fair condition, with the dust jacket showing significant wear, including scuffs and tears along the edges. The hardcover itself is intact, though it displays some signs of age. Internally, the pages are clean and free from inscriptions or library markings, making it a solid copy for collectors despite the external wear.

"Facing the Light: Historic American Portrait Daguerreotypes" by Harold Francis Pfister is a comprehensive exploration of historic American portrait photography, published by the Smithsonian Institution Press in Washington, D.C., 1978. This hardcover edition provides a detailed look into the art of daguerreotypes, supported by a foreword from Marvin Sadik and a curatorial preface by William F. Stapp. The book serves as a catalog for an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, making it a valuable resource for photography enthusiasts and historians alike. The ISBN for this edition is 0-937074-01-53. The volume is particularly significant for its detailed examination of early photographic techniques and its role in documenting American history. The book's condition reflects its age, with noticeable wear on the dust jacket, but remains a rare find for collectors interested in photographic history.