Crow Indian Photographer: The Work of Richard Throssel

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful book for historians and photography buffs alike.
Review: Richard Throssel was a Cree Indian, adopted by the Crow. He was also a trained commercial photographer who worked with some of the best in the profession at the time. This book serves as a brief biography and a compilation of his photos of Plains Indians-mostly Crow and Cheyenne.

Those interested in the study of Plains Indian culture will enjoy Peggy Albright's well-written text and the way she incorporates the photos into her brief biography of Throssel. While those interested in the art of photography can simply skip to the section containing the photos and read the comments by people she interviewed while working on the book. Some, for example, are descendents who helped identify and give background on people in the photographs.

This is not your typical collection of portraits of dour "chiefs." Included here are portraits of many different people- some better known than others-including women and children. There are also photographs of ceremonies that were actually being performed illegally at the time, as well as posed compositions lke "The Three Scouts," riding amongst the markers at The Little Bighorn Battlefield.

My only regret is that I purchased this book in paperback. I certainly hope it will withstand all the many times I, and others will leaf through it.