SHORT NIGHTS OF THE SHADOW CATCHER The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis [SOLD]

SHORT NIGHTS OF THE SHADOW CATCHER The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis

by Timothy Egan

Hardback with slip cover, first edition 2012, 370 pages, illustrated with selected images by Curtis

I strongly recommend this to anyone who has an inkling of love for history to read this epic journey of a man against all odds.  I found it heart rending. Al Anthony

This is an amazing story about a young man who defied all odds and achieved an epic task that he set out to do.  He spent 30 years visiting, studying, and documenting the lives of 80 North American Indian tribes in an attempt to capture their way of life before it was totally destroyed by the White race.

Curtis had the determination to complete this astronomical effort despite that he was working for free and spending his own funds.  When he ran out of money, he contacted J. Pierpoint Morgan, the filthy rich New York banker for support. Morgan agreed to limited support but Curtis could ask for more when he needed it.  Morgan continued funding the project but had Curtis sign over copyright to all the work, so Curtis was working without salary and without owning anything he accomplished over the thirty years.  He spent his last years in poverty and died without money, but left a beautiful legacy that will live forever.