This book contains 50 years of photography by the author, a National Geographic photographer. He was a pioneer of color photography with a style that called for entering people's homes and hearts; by winning their confidence he was able to capture "off guard" moments, and reveal the depth of human nature. His work reveals beauty, mystery, and a sense of adventure. Part photography retrospective and part personal memoir, this book paints a full picture of the life of a globe-trekking photographer over the past half century.

Whether exploring the reclusive communities of the Amish and Hutterites, probing the gritty existence of the American cowboy, or revealing the quiet beauty of the Minnesota lakes, William Albert Allard has helped define America in all its diversity. From rodeos to blues singers, from William Faulkner’s Mississippi to minor league baseball, Allard has turned his camera toward parts of our heritage that are often overlooked. His other award-winning books include The Vanishing Breed and A Time We Knew. Portraits of America features 165 of Allard’s finest photographs. Presented in chronological order, with incisive introductions to each section written by Allard himself, these photographs show the creative development of a remarkably gifted artist. Pulitzer Prize­winning author Richard Ford contributes a foreword that places Allard’s photography within the context of the American experience. Art aficionados and lovers of Americana alike delight in this beautifully designed and thoughtful collection from a man who has become a legend in the world photographic community.

American photographers master series

Born Countess Marie Therese von Degenfeld-Schonburg, growing up as the beloved only daughter of a mother and aunt in one of the most beautiful castles in Bavaria, Neubeuern, Maria throws aside the protocols and expectations of the German aristocracy to marry an American diplomat. Born in 1908 and dying in 2005, Maria's life spanned the 20th century, two world wars, and encompassed life on four continents. Her eclectic education included personal correspondence and instruction from poet, Hugo v Hofmanstahl, instilling an ability to write openly and frankly whatever was on her heart. Her experiences with the major events of her century, her philosophy and views on volunteer service, the church, and other issues make this book an unusual picture of a 20th century life.

Photographs from the archives of "National Geographic" share an array of work reflecting the themes of the land, underwater, science, the United States, and the world--by some of the world's finest photographers.

From its historical grandeur to its metropolitan grit and stunning glamor, experience Paris through the lens of acclaimed photographer William Albert Allard, considered one of color photography’s most celebrated pioneers. Over the course of three decades, former Magnum photographer William Albert Allard has been returning to Paris and embodying the idea of the flâneur, the idle yet keen wandering observer. Paris is the stunning culmination of Allard walking through the City of Light in search of nothing and everything, those gloriously unexpected scenes that unknowingly carry the weight of the world, if only for a moment. Visit backstage at music events and fashion shows, admire the cavernous rooms of fine museums, stroll the meandering streets of the city’s neighborhoods, walk along the Seine, and spot lounging sunbathers, café patrons, and laborers with this masterful portraitist. Allard brings his personal voice and wonderful talent to this legendary city, revealing Paris in a personal, intimate way through the lens of his camera. Vibrant with color and rich with the details of human nature, this long out-of-print collection is now available again so viewers can marvel at both the work of a master photographer and the myriad poses struck by one of the world’s greatest cities. “To walk in Paris is to stroll through a never-ending series of one-act plays with ever changing, often beautiful, sets, populated by sometimes equally attractive characters on display.”—William Albert Allard Starting in 1964, Allard contributed to National Geographic magazine for 50 years, longer than any other single contributor. A pioneer of color documentary photography and a superb portraitist, Allard was credited early in his career with changing the look of National Geographic through his intimate work on the American subcultures of the Amish of Pennsylvania and the Hutterites of Montana. Allard has previously published six critically acclaimed books. His first, Vanishing Breed, photographs and writing about the American cowboy, published in 1981, was nominated for The American Book Award. Paris is the winner of the 5th edition of the Federation of European Professional Photographers (FEP) Book Prize Award.