本书介绍了摄影这一艺术形式从古至今的多元、发展变化的作用和特点。

摄影与艺术有着复杂的关系。本书构建了一个创新的框架，帮助读者欣赏摄影这一现代艺术形式。摄影教授大卫·贝特（David Bate）以其独特而富有洞察力的方式，按时间顺序将标志性的照片与重要的摄影书籍和历史展览排列在一起。与传统的艺术史一样，特定的作品被引用为特定风格的例子，本书使用原型照片来代表主要的艺术运动和趋势。

作为一本具有包容性和多样性的指南，本书囊括了来自世界各地的摄影作品，从摄影诞生至今。本书以精美的全彩插图贯穿始终，并附有短文和每件作品的关键参考资料，将成为摄影主题的权威参考资料，吸引寻求介绍的读者，以及熟悉摄影的读者。

An inclusive introduction to photography that elucidates the multiple, dynamic roles and character of this art form, both historically and today.

Photography has a complex relationship to art. This volume uses an innovative framework to help readers appreciate photography as its own modern art form. In his unique and insightful approach, professor of photography David Bate presents iconic photographs in chronological order alongside significant photobooks and important historical exhibitions. As with traditional art histories, where particular works are cited as examples of specific styles, this study uses archetypal photographs to represent major art movements and trends.

An inclusive and diverse guide, this account includes contributions from photographers around the world, from the birth of photography to the present day. Featuring stunning color reproductions throughout with short essays and key references on each work, Photography is set to become a definitive reference on the subject and will appeal to readers seeking an introduction, as well as to those more familiar with the medium.