Bon vivant, railroad historian, photographer, pioneering food critic, chronicler of New York's cafe society, and noted newspaperman, Lucius Beebe (1902-1966) was an American original. In 1938, with the publication of High Iron: A Book of Trains, he transformed the world of railroad-subject photography forever by inventing the railroad picture book genre. In 1940, he met creative and life partner Charles Clegg (1916-1979), also a talented photographer. Beebe and Clegg produced an outstanding and diverse portfolio of mid-twentieth century railroad-subject photographs. Beebe, sometimes with Clegg, also authored about forty books, including many focused on railroads and railroading.

The Railroad Photography of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg brings their incredible story and best photographic work together. Providing an extensive biographic introduction to Beebe and Clegg, author Tony Reevy presents a multi-faceted view of the railroad industry that will appeal to rail enthusiasts as well as those interested in American food culture, the history of New York City, and LGBT studies. The Railroad Photography of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg is an indispensable history to the work of two men who forever changed the way we see and experience American railroads.

About the Author

Tony Reevy has written several books, including The Railroad Photography of Jack Delano and O. Winston Link: Life Along the Line, in addition to poetry and short fiction. He is Senior Associate Director of the Institute for the Environment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He resides in Durham, North Carolina.

Reviews

"Railroad photography as we know it today could not have developed and thrived were it not for Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg. . . Tony Reevy turns the camera around to bring the two men behind the camera into a sharper focus in this long overdue book." - Jim Wrinn, editor of Trains Magazine

* Trains *

Beebe and Clegg were both pioneers in the world of artistic rail enthusiast photography and Tony Reevy is to be commended for telling their unique story so well.

* Michigan Railfan *

The book is predominately a photo book which is appropriate since it memorializes Beebe's and Clegg's contribution to the world of railroad photography. Their work has enhanced railfan's enjoyment of the railroad photo book genre immensely.The work of Beebe and Clegg has become legendary and deserves the attention of any serious railfan.

-- Barry W. Smith * NRHS Bulletin *



Book Information
ISBN 9780253036674
Author Tony Reevy
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press