American Photography: America Through Photographers’ Eyes, by Mattie Boom & Hans Rooseboom, pub. Rijksmuseum

Published in association with the exhibition of the same name at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (until Jun 9), this is a captivating journey through the rich and multifaceted history of photography in the United States. Since its inception in 1839, photography has been deeply woven into the fabric of American society, shaping how people see themselves and the world. This book offers a sweeping portrait of the nation through the critical lenses of iconic photographers such as Diane Arbus, Robert Frank, Nan Goldin, Andres Serrano and Andy Warhol, capturing America in all its complexity. 

From the early daguerreotypes of frost flowers on a windowpane, American Photography traces the evolution of the medium as an art form and reveals how photographers have chronicled, questioned and celebrated the nation’s identity across generations. It also illuminates photography’s presence in everyday life, as family portraits, advertisements, postcards and even record covers reflect how the medium has become an intrinsic part of American culture.