Anna Atkins
Photographer, Naturalist, Innovator
by Corey Keller
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Pub Date Oct 21 2025 | Archive Date Oct 05 2025
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Description
Step into the world of Anna Atkins (1799–1871), perhaps the world’s first female photographer and a pioneer of the medium. She lived an existence full of heartache and triumph, from her mother’s death when Atkins was an infant to her publication of multiple photographic books as an adult. After the passing of her mother, Atkins was raised primarily by her father and grandfather, who placed an emphasis on both her emotional and intellectual growth. As a result, she spent her life surrounded by some of the brightest minds of the day while they experimented in her family’s lab. Thanks to familial support and her own innate curiosity, Atkins felt empowered to pursue her passion for the natural world alongside several of the greatest inventors of Victorian England during the Industrial Revolution.
Despite societal gender norms of the era, which typically limited women to a life within the home, Atkins gained the respect of the scientific community with her ambitious multivolume album Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, now recognized as the world’s first photographically illustrated book. Her cyanotypes, in addition to their scientific accuracy, added a sense of artistic beauty to her publications, setting the stage for new uses of this already experimental technology. In an era replete with state-of-the-art inventions and innovative ideas, Atkins pushed photography forward in its earliest days with courage, creativity, and brilliance.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781947440111 |
| PRICE | $21.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 112 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Debbie J, Reviewer
Fascinating account of Anna Atkins, a pioneer in Victorian England leading to a number of innovations in photography and ground breaking publications by her. The publications initially were anonymous as it wasn’t deemed appropriate for a woman author. Well illustrated. Thank you to the author. Thank you to # NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Clare E, Librarian
I have only just discovered the work and life of Anna Atkins and this book is a fascinating insight into her work and the history of photography.
The whole book is so interesting and well written with just the right amount of photographs and illustrations to support the text.
I will be recommending it to our YA buyer at the library.
Miles L, Educator
Anna Atkins: Photographer, Naturalist, Innovator by Corey Keller is an attractive and informative book that highlights Atkins' accomplishments while contextualizing them within the society of the time.
My knowledge of Atkins was minimal before this book, a short mention in a book about science/nature illustrations through the ages with one image. I remember looking up some more images but that was about it. Keller offers us not just what is known about her life and works but does an excellent job, largely through insets throughout the book, of highlighting what society and culture was like at the time.
The images, as one expects, are wonderful throughout, showcasing not just the photographs she is most known for but many drawings she did that are excellent as well.
The pictures make this an excellent coffee table book but the size lets it also fit on most shelves quite easily, it is oversize but not extremely (8x10.5).
Highly recommended for both those interested in the history of photography and/or the history of nature illustration. And for those who love attractive books to display that will also spark conversation, this is an excellent choice. As an aside, because I almost always supplement my reading with online searches, there are some wonderful videos on YT about Atkins and her photography.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
Robin H, Educator
This is a beautifully written and informative book on Anna Atkins. While I was hoping for more in-depth information specifically about her life and work, I understand the limitations of available historical material. That said, the book offers a rich historical context, providing a broader overview of the time period in which she lived. I especially appreciated the sections that detailed her photographic process—they added valuable insight into her contributions to both science and art. Overall, an engaging and thoughtful read.
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