Photobook Library

New York in the Thirties is a photographic documentation of New York City during the 1930s, focusing primarily on the urban environment and its architectural landscape. Photographed by Berenice Abbott, the book presents a series of images that emphasize details of buildings and everyday street scenes, captured with a clear documentary intent. Abbott’s approach highlights the intersection of history and modernity through her use of sharp contrasts and carefully constructed compositions. The book spans 102 pages and was published as a paperback by Dover Publications, providing a compact yet substantial visual study of the city during a transformative decade marked by economic and social shifts.

Collectors should note that this edition offers a valuable look at Abbott’s work outside of her more frequently reproduced projects, illustrating her documentary style and thematic focus on urban change. While the Dover publication itself may not be rare or high-end in production, it remains a reliable source for accessing Abbott’s influential photographs in a coherent sequence. The book is of interest to those collecting photographic documentation of urban history, 20th-century American cities, and Abbott’s career specifically. Lack of detailed print run or edition information suggests cautious assessment of rarity, but the subject matter and photographer’s recognized reputation support moderate investment interest.

Preview Pages

Videos

Berenice Abbott: A View of the 20th Century, 1992 | From the Vaults

Episode 74: Metropolitan Life Building, New York by Berenice Abbott

BERENICE ABBOTT New York In The Thirties

Berenice Abbott – A Photographic Tour of 1930s New York City

Reviews & Articles

Berenice Abbott: A “Fantastic Passion” for New York

Essay magpiesmagazine.com Magpies July 29, 2024

Berenice Abbott returned to the U.S. in 1929, inspired by a “fantastic passion” to photograph New York City. Over the next decade, she created the Changing New York project, funded by the Federal Art Project. This collection includes 305 photographs documenting the city’s evolution, accompanied by historical data. Abbott’s work marketing the modern city captured its contrasts—from elegance to decay. She began her artistic life in Greenwich Village, then moved to Paris, where she worked with Man Ray and embraced modernist approaches to photography, emphasizing clarity and documentary over pictorialism. Read Article

New York in the Thirties as Photographed by Berenice Abbott

Feature Gary Saretzky Photo Books Gary Saretzky

New York in the Thirties, published by Dover Publications in 1973, is an unabridged reprint of Berenice Abbott’s 1939 classic Changing New York. Featuring 97 photographs, the book documents the architectural and social transformation of New York City during the Great Depression. Abbott used a large-format view camera to capture the contrast between old low-rise buildings and modern skyscrapers, employing a sharp, realistic photographic style called straight photography. The volume offers valuable historical context through captions by Elizabeth McCausland and serves as an important record of a rapidly changing cityscape. Read Article

Learning documentary photography from Berenice Abbott – Down the Road

Feature Down the Road Jim Grey January 8, 2018

Jim Grey reflects on improving his documentary photography by studying Berenice Abbott’s work, particularly her 1930s photographs of New York City taken during the Great Depression under the Works Progress Administration. Abbott’s images demonstrate how context, contrasting elements, and angled compositions can convey a strong sense of place and environment. Grey highlights specific techniques such as backing up to include surrounding context, framing multiple planes, and seeing through objects to create more engaging and informative photographs. He aims to apply these lessons to better capture the essence of the places he visits. Read Article