Bruce Davidson - East 100th Street - 2003

This copy in near fine condition.

The St. Ann's Press edition of Bruce Davidson's East 100th Street, published in 2003, is a lavishly produced, expanded reissue of one of the most defining masterpieces in post-war American documentary photography. Originally printed in 1970 by Harvard University Press, this monograph serves as an intimate, respectful record of the citizens living on a single, notorious block in East Harlem, New York during the late 1960s.


Features high-end tritone illustrations (approximately 140–147 plates). The printing process utilizes rich, dark black-and-white tones that present deeper clarity and detail than the original 1970 edition. Significantly updates the original catalog by adding over 20 previously unpublished photographs from Davidson's time on the block. Features a foreword by Mildred Feliciano and an insightful interview interview with Barney Simon.

Between 1966 and 1968, Magnum photographer Bruce Davidson embedded himself on East 100th Street. Rather than sneaking candid shots as a detached observer, Davidson carried a large-format 4×5 view camera, a heavy tripod, and a powerful strobe unit. This slow, deliberate setup required him to look his subjects face-to-face, knocking on doors and requesting permission to shoot.This methodology transformed his photography into a collaboration. His portraits of families, children, tenement rooms, and sidewalks reject the casual stereotyping of the neighborhood as just a "ghetto". Instead, they emphasize the intense human dignity, trials, and resilience of the community. Upon release, the imagery was so impactful that it was used as visual evidence in court and legislative settings to help advocate for the revitalization and rebuilding of the neighborhood.