Let Us Now Praise Famous Men

Definition

Let Us Now Praise Famous Men is a documentary book published in 1941 that features the lives of impoverished Southern sharecroppers during the Great Depression, using a blend of text and photography. This work is crucial in understanding the Farm Security Administration’s efforts to document and humanize the plight of rural Americans, while also exemplifying the principles of social documentary photography that seek to capture real-life stories and advocate for social change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The book was co-authored by writer James Agee and photographer Walker Evans, combining narrative text with evocative photographs to tell the story of sharecroppers in Alabama.
2. It is considered a landmark work in both literature and photography, often praised for its innovative approach to documentary storytelling.
3. The book's title is derived from a biblical reference, emphasizing the dignity of the subjects and their experiences amid extreme hardship.
4. The images captured by Evans are notable for their stark realism, showcasing both the resilience and suffering of the individuals portrayed.
5. Let Us Now Praise Famous Men was not commercially successful at its release but later gained critical acclaim, influencing future generations of documentary artists and writers.

Review Questions

• How does Let Us Now Praise Famous Men exemplify the goals of the Farm Security Administration in documenting rural poverty?
  • Let Us Now Praise Famous Men serves as a quintessential example of the Farm Security Administration's mission by humanizing the struggles of Southern sharecroppers during the Great Depression. The combination of Agee's narrative prose and Evans' striking photographs provides a deep insight into the daily lives of these families, aiming to evoke empathy and understanding from a broader audience. The work not only documents poverty but also emphasizes the resilience and dignity of its subjects, aligning perfectly with the FSA's goal to raise awareness about rural America's plight.
• Discuss how the photographic style used in Let Us Now Praise Famous Men aligns with social documentary photography principles.
  • The photographic style in Let Us Now Praise Famous Men aligns with social documentary photography principles through its commitment to realism and authenticity. Walker Evans employed techniques that captured unembellished moments in the lives of his subjects, avoiding staged scenes to convey genuine emotions and circumstances. This approach not only documents the harsh realities faced by sharecroppers but also invites viewers to engage with their stories on a personal level, fulfilling the goal of social documentary photography to raise awareness about pressing societal issues.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Let Us Now Praise Famous Men on both literature and photography, considering its initial reception and later recognition.
  • Let Us Now Praise Famous Men has had a profound impact on both literature and photography, despite its lukewarm reception upon publication. Initially overlooked, it has since been re-evaluated as a pivotal work that bridges literary narrative and visual documentation, influencing subsequent generations of writers and photographers. Its innovative blend of text and imagery has inspired various movements within both fields, promoting an understanding of social issues through compelling storytelling that remains relevant today. The book stands as a testament to the power of art in advocating for social change and understanding human experiences.

Related terms

Farm Security Administration (FSA): A New Deal agency created in 1937 aimed at combating rural poverty by providing assistance to farmers and documenting their struggles through photography.

Social Documentary Photography: A genre of photography focused on portraying social issues and conditions, often aimed at raising awareness and prompting change.

Walker Evans: An influential American photographer known for his work with the FSA and for his role in capturing the lives of ordinary people through compelling images.