The Intimate World of Josef Sudek

Josef Sudek (1896–1976) was a Czech photographer, best known for his photographs of Prague. He was a bookbinder before turning to photography after losing his right arm in WWI. This book, published to accompany an exhibition, examines how Sudek’s photographs reflect his relationship to the world around him, from intimate explorations of cherished objects and views through his window to his night walks through the streets of Prague and its periphery, as well as excursions into the surrounding countryside. With essays, reminiscences by two former assistants, and stunning illustrations, here is a compelling view of Sudek’s photographs, and the art of his friends and fellow artists. Sudek’s legacy includes some of the 20th century’s most haunting images of nature, monuments, city streets, and objects—all transformed by his sensitivity to the power of light to reveal and the power of darkness to render all impenetrable.

Ann Thomas is curator, photography collection, National Gallery of Canada.
Ian Jeffrey is an English art historian.
Vladimir Birgus is head of the Institute of Creative Photography, Silesian University, Opava.
Vojtech Lahoda is director, Institute of Art History, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague.
Jan Mlcoch is curator, photography, at the Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague.
Christophe Vischi is a photography conservator.