Railroad Shutterbug: Jim Fredrickson's Northern Pacific

Rating:
Summary: M. S. Hennessy
Review: Coming from a few generations of Northern Pacific and Milwaukee Railroad workers, this was a great chance for me to get a detailed view into my family heritage. Being a photographer myself, I have an appreciation for the quality of Jim's images as well as the composition of each frame.

When I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. Each great photo is followed by another spectacular one. If you are a resident or frequent visitor to the Northwest, you will recognize many historical landmarks which are shown in their prime and operational context.

The characteristics of each engine and the detailed history of the railroad men who drove them, or the specific historical moments is simply wonderful to read and learn.

I eagerly anticipate the next book by Mr. Fredrickson.

Rating:
Summary: Lavish, informative, & visually oriented
Review: Compiled by Jim Fredrickson, Railroad Shutterbug: Jim Fredrickson's Northern Pacific is a black-and-white historical photography showcase of the exceptional images of steam-era railroads captured on film in the mid-1900's. Each photograph stands opposite a detailed one-page presentation of background information. Railroad Shutterbug is a lavish, informative, visually oriented, highly recommended celebration railroad buffs and a welcome addition to personal and academic Railroading History collections.

Rating:
Summary: More Than Just Photos
Review: Jim Fredrickson's book Railroad Shutterbug is not just a tremendous collection of beautiful black and white, and a few color, photos of Pacific Northwest railroading, but a collection of historical anecdotes as well.

Each photo is accompanied by a caption which goes two steps beyond. They describe the "why" and "what-fors." For example, they may describe why certain locomotives were used in this part of the country, and, the historical reasons for having so many depots and their original function (not just a point for passengers to come and go). The descriptions go beyond the normal "photo review" most commonly found in similar books, which give simple description, but don't explain "why." The book is beautifully printed on glossy paper, and the horizontal format increases the snapshot viewpoint. The large-format camera prints show incredible detail. I certainly hope this is not the last book from Mr. Fredrickson.