Peter Walther's Edward S. Curtis. The North American Indian. The Complete Portfolios is a monumental collection presenting Curtis's comprehensive photographic documentation of Native American tribes in the early 20th century. Through stunning reproductions of Curtis's portraits and landscapes, the book preserves his ambitious project while acknowledging its complex legacy. The collection becomes both historical document and meditation on representation, raising important questions about who has the right to document cultures and how photography shapes our understanding of Indigenous peoples.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Curtis's work is both invaluable historical record and problematic artifact of its time. This complete collection reminds us that we must engage critically with historical documentation while recognizing its importance, and that Indigenous representation requires Indigenous voices.
DETAILS: • Editor: Peter Walther • Photographer: Edward S. Curtis • Publisher: Taschen • Format: Hardcover • Publication Date: April 16, 2025 • ISBN: 9783836596732 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days