Ebert, Michael Fotografien aus dem Amerikanischen Bürgerkrieg 1861 - 1865

The American Civil War is one of the most momentous chapters in the history of the 19th century. Far less well known is that the conflict between North and South was also the first world event to be comprehensively documented in photographs. At that time, photography was primarily a technical challenge. Heavy equipment, complicated processes, and toxic chemicals demanded a high level of commitment. However, the results were of impressive technical quality that can still hold their own even when compared to the most modern digital processes. The photographers who went to war with their cameras did so almost exclusively on a voluntary basis and at their own risk. Some were later ruined by their efforts. What they created is a milestone in the history of the medium. These are photographs with unusual narrative power, creative depth, and a wealth of information that make them unique historical documents. The book presents around 100 of the most impressive photographs of the American Civil War from the archives of the Library of Congress in Washington. To restore their original impact, the photos have been extensively digitally restored, and numerous, sometimes extreme croppings bring previously unseen details to life.