Laude, Andre : Weegee (Pantheon Photo Library)

Introduction-Andre Laude.

"Weegee the famous," as he liked to be called, was a major influence in the field of newspaper photography. Persistent and aggressive behind the camera, he always made sure that he was at the forefront of breaking news. As a photographer he went to the heart of ugly situations to illustrate the often gruesome realities of life in the city. Weegee's images scream at their audience. An assault to the eyes was created through his use of the flash's severe light; the harsh contrasts and deep shadows that resulted gave his images an extra jolt. Concerned more with the impact of his images than with the artistry, Weegee favored a tone of sarcasm and irony with a touch of compassion in his work. This book presents more than forty images spanning photojournalist Weegee's career, along with a chronology, exhibition history, and selected bibliography.