Frank S. Matsura: Iconoclast Photographer of the American West Edited by Michael Holloman
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Thank you Chronicle Books | Princeton Architectural Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of Frank S. Matsura. Last year I was lucky enough to visit an exhibit on the photography of Frank S. Matsura at the Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Washington. I really enjoyed the exhibit and was excited to learn more about Matsura when I saw this book on NetGalley.

This is a very well written and thorough history of Matsura's life, photography, and legacy. I thought the background information about the indigenous people was informative. The layout of the photos throughout the book was well done. I really enjoyed seeing more of Matsura's work and learning about the importance of it. He was definitely more than just a photographer and left a lasting legacy in the history of the Inland Northwest.

Overall, I really enjoyed the photos and the history in this book. I am excited to see the physical copy when it is published.

Out September 9th, 2025
Iconic piece of literature. His portraits, often candid and inclusive, reflect a dynamic and multicultural America rarely seen in historical archives. This richly illustrated volume doesn’t just showcase Matsura’s artistry—it reclaims his legacy. Through essays by scholars and historians, Holloman frames Matsura’s work as a radical act of cultural hybridity and resistance against anti-Asian bias and colonial narratives. The book is both a visual feast and a critical exploration of identity, belonging, and the power of art to transcend boundaries. For lovers of photography, history, and untold stories, The Iconoclast Photographer of the American West is a haunting, necessary addition to the canon.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Princeton Architectural Press for this ARC!