Old Photos (Issue 36)

Author: Compiled by the Editorial Department
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Photos can better preserve the truth of history, thanks to their irreplaceable and unalterable independent voice. Unfortunately, when narrating history, the independent voice of photos is often not given the respect it deserves. Even in books that heavily use photos, they are merely supplementary evidence for certain historical conclusions or illustrations of specific historical concepts. "Old Photos" attempts to change this by placing photos at the center of observation, allowing them to speak for themselves. Sometimes, the messages and implications contained in photos far exceed what a few simple historical conclusions can encompass. Only by acknowledging and listening to the voice of photos can history become vivid and lively.