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The Harlem book of the dead

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Abstract

James Van Der Zee was an African-American photographer who specialized in funerals. This book includes many of his photographs, with his comments. The text, by Camille Billops, is primarily an interview with the artist at the age of 91. Includes poetry by Owen Dodson inspired by some of the photos.

Contents

Introduction -- Very long conversation with James Van Der Zee at the age of ninety-one -- Mothers & prophesies -- Fathers & the better people -- James Van Der Zee, the young man -- Children & the mystery of birth -- Women: wives & friends -- Soldiers -- Mourners & the posing of the dead -- Man is the head of everything big on earth -- Description of plates -- Afterword, afterlife / Karla FC Holloway.

Contributors

Publisher

  • Publication

    [Brooklyn, New York]: Primary Information, [2025]

Is about

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Type

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Classification

  • ISBN

    9798991036726

Annotations / title notes

  • Notes

    "The Metropolitan Museum of Art is pleased to collaborate with Primary Information and Garrett Bradley to publish this facsimile edition of James Van Der Zee's previously out-of-print book, The Harlem Book of the Dead, and place this influential work in the hands of a contemporary audience."

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