Summary and review of “SPE: The Formative Years” by Nathan Lyons:
“SPE: The Formative Years” by Nathan Lyons provides a detailed account of the early days of the Society for Photographic Education (SPE), an organization founded in the 1960s to support and advance photographic education. The book chronicles the establishment and development of SPE, highlighting the interdisciplinary aspirations and challenges faced by its founders. Lyons discusses the organization’s initial vision of fostering intense, intimate dialogues among photography educators, curators, historians, and critics. Over time, SPE evolved from a small, exclusive group to a larger, more inclusive organization with a significant student membership. Lyons also includes useful appendices, such as early membership surveys and lists, providing a comprehensive look at the organization’s beginnings and its impact on photographic education (LibraryThing.com) (Nearby Cafe).
Reviews:
- LibraryThing – While there are no member reviews available on LibraryThing, the site provides information about the book’s presence in personal collections and its categorization within art and design genres. It highlights the book’s role in documenting the history of a pivotal organization in photographic education (LibraryThing.com).
- Photocritic International – The review on Photocritic International delves into the book’s exploration of SPE’s founding ideals and its transformation over the years. The reviewer notes that Lyons captures the essence of the early days of SPE, emphasizing the interdisciplinary approach and the shift in organizational dynamics. However, the review also points out the book’s numerous typographic errors, which detract from the reading experience. Despite this, the review appreciates Lyons’ effort to document this important period in photographic education history (Nearby Cafe).
Overall, “SPE: The Formative Years” is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the origins and evolution of SPE, despite some editorial shortcomings. The book is especially relevant for those interested in the history of photographic education and the development of professional organizations within the field.
