Blimps, burlesque and brass bands: America takes flight
A new Taschen book comprising 700 images from the National Geographic’s archives charts a dramatic century of dizzying change in the US
TL;DR
- The collection features over 700 images from National Geographic's archives, spanning a century of American life.
- Early photography focused on industry, agriculture, and public works, later shifting to Americans at leisure.
- The images often presented an aspirational and idealised view of America, particularly through the lens of white, middle-class sensibilities.
- Specific examples include tourists in Chicago, children playing on a hockey rink, sailors in Norfolk, a historic movie palace, street scenes in Harlem, burlesque performers in Baltimore, and musical performances in New Orleans.
- The collection also highlights natural landmarks like Great White Sands and Mammoth Cave.