Ansel Adams: Classic Image Essays

These classic photographs were selected by the late Ansel Adams himself to be permanently representative of his work. Included are familiar scenic compositions like Moonrise, Hernandez and Half Dome, Yosemite, but there are also portraiture and closeups of patterns in nature. Alinder, director of Friends of Photography, chronicles Adams's life and describes his particular development in which perception of subtle tonalities came to define the photographer's vision. He tells also of great technical achievements (such as the ""zone system'' for exposure and printing) and this master photographer's related sensibilities as a classical musician and ardent nature conservationist. Museum of Modern Art curator Szarkowski appraises the impact Adams had on America's appreciation of itself. BOMC and Photography Book Club selections. (October 23)