American Photographs

American Photographs is a seminal 1938 photography book by Walker Evans, accompanied by an essay from Lincoln Kirstein. The book features 87 images selected by Evans, primarily taken between 1929 and 1936, with over a third created during his impactful tenure with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) from 1935 to 1937.1

Evans's work rejected aestheticized photography, focusing instead on the poetic qualities of everyday facts and vernacular architecture. His subjects often included billboards, automobile culture, and domestic interiors, presenting a clear and unsentimental view of American life. This approach significantly influenced subsequent generations of photographers. The book is considered one of the most influential photography books of the modern era.21