On Photography by Susan Sontag

The book is a seminal critique and exploration of the art, philosophy, and consequences of photography. It delves into the medium's history, its role in shaping society's perception of reality, and the ethical implications of capturing images. The author argues that photography, as a ubiquitous form of documentation, has altered the way people interact with the world, creating a collective memory bank but also leading to a detachment and passivity in the face of the photographed subjects. Through a series of essays, the work examines the power dynamics inherent in photography, the commodification of images, and the medium's impact on art and culture, ultimately questioning the nature of seeing and the truth in representation.

The 5143rd greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 84

Since this book was first published in 1977, there is a penalty of 4.8%. The age adjusted score is 79.97.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.