Berenice Abbott

“The founding curator of the New York Public Library photography collection offers an insightful biography of a pioneering photographer whose work over six decades helped define the modernist tradition… Van Haaften offers a sophisticated take on Abbott’s personal and artistic tragedies and triumphs.” – Ten books to read in April - BBC Culture“Berenice Abbott captures a large and star-studded life… A vital work of American cultural history.” – The New York Times“Absorbing… Abbott’s integrity and sense of honor, her restless and fearless nature, and her absolute devotion to telling the truth of her experience, come through loud and clear.” – The Washington Post“Insightful… A sophisticated take on Abbott’s personal and artistic tragedies and triumphs.” – Jane Ciabattari, BBC“This finely observed and assiduously researched book manages to pin down an artist who was, in her own words, “a little rebel from beginning to end”.” – The Art Newspaper

Julia Van Haaften was founding curator of the New York Public Library’s photography collection in 1980, and was instrumental in furthering digital initiatives at the library and the Museum of the City of New York. She lives in New York.