Short book review: Delta Time

Ken Light, Delta Time: Mississippi Photographs. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian, 1995. ISBN: 1-56098469-4.

Genre: art and photography

Subgenre: Mississippi, African American 

Format: large coffee table paperback 

Source: Hutchins Library, Berea College

This book is a collection of Mississippi photos by Ken Light. The photos mainly focus on the Mississippi Delta region. Photos are in black and white. Through photography, Light explores issues such as poverty, racism, rural living, religion, and resilience. The book was published in 1995, and we are seeing photos shot in the 1980s and early 1990s, upon looking at the photos you might think you are back in time many decades past. Light shows us that very little has changed in the region. 

These are powerful photos that will remain timeless. These images are very moving at times. Light has a great eye and attention to detail. He is able to elevate often seemingly simple subjects to high artistic and sublime levels. 

The only text comes from a foreword by Bob Moses and from the photographer's afterword. Otherwise the author let's the photos speak. The photos are identified. The large photo format allows us to see and feel every detail, every emotion. 

Overall, this is an excellent work of documentary photography. Recommended for libraries with strong photo and art collections as well as libraries with rural interests. Libraries that collect African American materials should have this as well. For me, moving and powerful. 

5 out of 5 stars.