A New (Old) Book for Sale

You've probably never heard of photographer Asahel Curtis, though no doubt you have heard of his older brother Edward, who photographed Native Americans and became quite famous.

But I became fascinated with the work of Asahel. He documented the development of the Puget Sound region in the first three decades or so of the 20th century. I found the banality of his subject matter quite appealing.

I put together this little book in 1972, sold most of them (three thousand or so) but still have a few copies. It's interesting to be able to go back and see what caught my eye so many years ago, which was, interestingly, and perhaps only to me, the physical development of the Puget Sound region.

This book juxtaposes Curtis' photos with text from the era. The University of Washington Press sniffed when I suggested a book about him. So I published it myself. No doubt the book could have benefited from professional editing and advice. (I was 25 at the time.)

Buy one; it's the same price as in 1973!

If you don't like it and you send it back (conditions:
1. you pay the return postage and
2. the book is in resellable condition)
I'll refund your money.

Higher S&H outside USA/Canada --- write to me.
 
Professor Gail Buckland speaks with authority about Asahel Curtis' worth; her fascinating note about him in American Heritage is titled Overrated and Underrated.

The University of Washington has a fabulous collection of Asahel Curtis Photo Company Photographs. I lust after the images I see on that web page. I wish I could have used some of them in my book.

Curtis work is extremely valuable in illustrating the history of the Puget Sound region. The Puget Sound region is almost unique in major metropolitan areas as it was developed almost entirely during the era of photography, from say the end of the Civil War onwards. We can see it change from true wilderness to the best and worst of urban America in the space of only four or five generations. Asahel Curtis was there through a crucial part: the introduction of the automobile, which he, as "booster," urged. Take a look at this exhibit on Developing Paradise on Mount Rainier, too.

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