While the daguerreotype process was discovered by a Frenchman, it was in America that it achieved it’s greatest popularity. This book is the fascinating illustrated history of this fad and unique art form, and chronicles its brief and tumultuous life. The informative text covers: introduction of daguerreotype to America, beginnings of the industry, entrepreneurs and explorers, the quest for a color process, and much more. Accompanying the text is an extensive plate section that depicts dramatic and important daguerrotypes in 104 detailed photos: ordinary men, women and children, geographical views, famous peoples, etc. Detailed captions provide titles, current location, and daguerrotypist when known. Photographers, photography historians, and those interested in our great Nation’s past are sure to appreciate this book.