Book cover of Looking at Photographs: 100 Pictures from the Collection of the Museum of Modern Art

Book description

`This is a picture book, and its first purpose is to provide the material for simple delectation', wrote curator John Szarkowski in this first survey of The Museum of Modern Art's photography collection. Since 1930, when the Museum accessioned its first photograph, it has assembled an extraordinary and wide-ranging collection…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Looking at Photographs as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

As the legendary curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art, John Szarkowski was instrumental in elevating photography’s stature to an equal among the fine arts. He is eloquent in his explanation about the meaning of photography and illuminating in his descriptions of each of the one hundred photographs published in this book from MoMA’s sterling collection of photographs. There is no better guide to an awakening of your own eye than Szarkowski.

From Philip's list on for understanding photography as art.

If you love Looking at Photographs...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Looking at Photographs?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 94 books like Looking at Photographs.

Browse books like Looking at Photographs

Book cover of Ways of Seeing
Book cover of How Photography Became Contemporary Art: Inside an Artistic Revolution from Pop to the Digital Age
Book cover of The Americans

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,366

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Looking at Photographs, you might also like...

A Forgivable Indecision by Shawn Jennings,

Book cover of A Forgivable Indecision

In 1913, a 15-year-old pregnant girl was found dead of apparent suicide. Dr. James Wilson, a new graduate and the first doctor ever to start a practice in this rural town, feels guilty over her death because of his delayed intervention.

He knows Bessie was raped by one of her…

USS OBAMA 2130 by John. H Sibley,

Book cover of USS OBAMA 2130

Voyager 1 was launched on September 5, 1977, and Voyager 2 was launched on August 20, 1977. Both began a historic journey with unique 'time capsules' on board intended to communicate a story of our world to extraterrestrials. The Voyager message is carried by a phonograph record 12-inch gold-plated disk…

5 book lists we think you will like!