The Wizard of Photography: The Story of George Eastman

We may not realize it, but George Eastman's photographic legacy enriches our lives almost daily. As much innovator as inventor, prior to Eastman, photography was a cumbersome, messy, time-consuming process, out of reach to all but a few hardy professionals. Eastman had the wisdom to see that an emerging affluent class now had time to travel and a desire to preserve the memories, and the grit and business sense to make his dream a reality. "You press the button, we do the rest" was the promise of Eastman's Kodak camera. Originally airing on PBS's acclaimed The American Experience series, The Wizard of Photography tells the story of a man whose perfectionism and persistence would win him fame and fortune, but not personal happiness. A classic tale of American pluck and luck, young bank executive Eastman initially only wanted to photograph some land he purchased, but was put off by the wet plate process of the time. Tinkering with chemicals in his kitchen, this self taught entrepreneur gradually developed a simpler camera and superior film emulsion. The ambition and determination which would prove daunting to competitors would also make him unpopular with his employees. The new technology of movies provided a ready market for his film, but his true stroke of genius was the Brownie camera, a cheap snap shooter popular with children. A lifelong bachelor, Eastman plowed much of his fortune into his Rochester, NY hometown. Fastidious by nature, and taxed by age and wasting illness, at the age of 77 Eastman wrote a final note ("My work is done. Why wait?") and then shot himself through the heart. A well illustrated, informative biography, providing insights into the life of a difficult, private, but groundbreaking entrepreneur, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)