Henri Cartier-Bresson: China 1948–1949, 1958

In December 1948, Henri Cartier-Bresson travelled to China at the request of Life magazine. He stayed for ten months and captured some of the most spectacular moments in China's history: he photographed Beijing in 'the last days of the Kuomintang', and then headed back to Shanghai, where he recorded the new regime's takeover. Moreover, in 1958, Henri Cartier-Bresson was one of the first Western photographers to go back to China to explore the changes that had occurred over the preceding decade. The 'picture stories' he sent to Magnum and Life on a regular basis played a key role in Westerners' understanding of Chinese political events. Many of these images are among the most significant photographs in Cartier-Bresson's oeuvre; his empathy with the populace and sense of responsibility as a witness making them an important part of his legacy.Henri Cartier-Bresson in China allows these photographs to be re-examined along with all of the documents that were preserved: the photographer's captions and comments, contact sheets and abundant correspondence, as well as the published versions that appeared in both American and European magazines. A welcome addition to any photography lover's bookshelf, this is an exciting new volume on one of the 20th century's most important photographers.

“"This comprehensive, beautifully printed book affords the opportunity to compare and contrast this crucial decade in China's history."”

'Capturing a country on the cusp of change, these searing images taken by French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson helped establish his career … [they] reflect his passion' - The Lady
'[A] monumental volume ... This book is required reading for fans of Henri Cartier-Bresson or anyone interested in the history of China ' - Amateur Photographer

Michel Frizot is Research Director at the Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique in Paris. He is the author of numerous articles, books and exhibition catalogues on photography, including Etienne-Jules Marey, Chronophotographe, Henri Cartier-Bresson: Scrapbook, André Kertész, Every Photograph is an Enigma and L'Homme photographique. SU Ying-Lung is an independent curator of Chinese and contemporary art. He is former curator at the Museum of Fine Arts of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and is the author of Mournful Morrow: Four Taiwanese Photographers.

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