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One Time One Place: Mississippi in the Depression : A Snapshot Album

eudora welty william maxwell

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Eudora Welty is among the very few authors who are acclaimed for their work in both literature and photography. In 1971 she surprised her readers with this important book, for in One Time, One Place many of them discerned for the first time that this revered writer was also a gifted photographer. Throughout her writing career, Welty's camera was a close companion. The one hundred pictures included here are her selections from many she took during the Great Depression as she traveled in her home state of Mississippi. These pictures are poignant images of human endurance. For her, looking back, they showed a record of a time and a place, an impoverished world that against great odds sustained a sense of community. Both black and white, the men, women, and children she photographed, unaware that they are coping with dire conditions, press onward with their lives. “The Depression, in fact,” Welty says in her introduction, “was not a noticeable phenomenon in the poorest state in the Union.”

In the foreword to this Silver Anniversary edition of One Time, One Place , William Maxwell, Eudora Welty's dear friend and esteemed colleague in literature, offers an appreciation of this photographer's special genius and a loving glimpse into her artistic world.

115 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1971

This edition

Format
115 pages, Hardcover
Published
May 1, 1996 by Univ Pr of Mississippi
ISBN
9780878058662
ASIN
0878058664
Language
English

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About the author

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eudora welty

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Eudora Alice Welty was an award-winning American author who wrote short stories and novels about the American South. Her book The Optimist's Daughter won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973 and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous awards. She was the first living author to have her works published by the Library of America.

Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and lived a significant portion of her life in the city's Belhaven neighborhood, where her home has been preserved. She was educated at the Mississippi State College for Women (now called Mississippi University for Women), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Columbia Business School. While at Columbia University, where she was the captain of the women's polo team, Welty was a regular at Romany Marie's café in 1930.

During the 1930s, Welty worked as a photographer for the Works Progress Administration, a job that sent her all over the state of Mississippi photographing people from all economic and social classes. Collections of her photographs are One Time, One Place and Photographs.

Welty's true love was literature, not photography, and she soon devoted her energy to writing fiction. Her first short story, "Death of a Traveling Salesman," appeared in 1936. Her work attracted the attention of Katherine Anne Porter, who became a mentor to her and wrote the foreword to Welty's first collection of short stories, A Curtain of Green, in 1941. The book immediately established Welty as one of American literature's leading lights and featured the legendary and oft-anthologized stories "Why I Live at the P.O.," "Petrified Man," and "A Worn Path." Her novel, The Optimist's Daughter, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973.

In 1992, Welty was awarded the Rea Award for the Short Story for her lifetime contributions to the American short story, and was also a charter member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, founded in 1987. In her later life, she lived near Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, where, despite her fame, she was still a common sight among the people of her hometown.
Eudora Welty died of pneumonia in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 92, and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Jackson.

Excerpted and adopted from Wikipedia.

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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 13 votes)
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13 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Notjustanart
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Ahh, Eudora's photographs!

Biographers frequently write about Eudora's remarkable ability to capture people, especially southerners, and vividly bring them to life on the page. Her photographs achieve the same feat. She possessed an artist's discerning eye for depicting the human spirit. Just as beautifully as she wrote about people, she photographed them. Each photograph seems to tell a story, revealing the essence and character of the individuals she captured. It's as if through her lens, she was able to see beyond the surface and capture the true souls of those she photographed. Her work is a testament to her talent and her deep understanding of the human condition. Whether it's a smile, a gesture, or a look in the eye, Eudora's photographs have the power to move and inspire, just like her written words.
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anklee
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have a truly precious possession. It is a copy of this book that holds great significance.

It was autographed by the remarkable Miss Welty and also by the esteemed Cleanth Brooks, both highly respected figures in the literary world.

This occurred around 1975, a time that now seems almost like a distant memory.

The autographs on this book serve as a tangible connection to that era and to the brilliant minds who left their marks.

Whenever I look at this book, I am filled with a sense of awe and admiration for the talent and wisdom of these two individuals.

It is not just a book; it is a piece of literary history that I am honored to own and cherish.

I often wonder about the stories and experiences that Miss Welty and Cleanth Brooks had that led them to sign this particular copy.

Perhaps it was a moment of inspiration, or maybe it was a gesture of kindness to a fellow lover of literature.

Whatever the reason, their autographs have made this book a truly unique and valuable treasure.
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MesserMorfeo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A beautiful book.

It was discovered during a library sale. The moment I laid my eyes on it, I was immediately drawn to its charm. The cover was adorned with an intricate design that seemed to tell a story of its own.

As I opened the book, the smell of old paper filled my nostrils, giving it an air of mystery and history. The pages were filled with beautiful illustrations and words that seemed to dance off the page.

I knew right away that this was a book that I had to have. It was a treasure that had been hidden away in the depths of the library, waiting for someone like me to discover it.

Now, it sits on my bookshelf, a constant reminder of the wonderful find I made at the library sale. Every time I look at it, I am transported to a world of imagination and wonder.

It is truly a beautiful book that I will cherish for a long time.
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juviin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A very evocative selection of one hundred photographs has been made from several hundred that Eudora Welty took during her years working at the W.P.A. as a publicity agent for the Mississippi office.

Interestingly, although the photos have no direct connection to the W.P.A., her job provided Welty with a wonderful opportunity.

It allowed her to travel extensively throughout her home state.

During these travels, she was able to closely observe the people and the landscape of that particular time in history.

The author's introduction to this collection of photos is truly a must-read.

It provides valuable insights and context that enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of Welty's remarkable work.

Each photograph seems to tell a story, capturing a moment in time that is both unique and representative of the era.

Welty's keen eye and artistic sensibility are evident in every image, making this collection a captivating and important addition to the world of photography.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
jepifish
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Eudora Welty truly has a remarkable eye for detail and beauty.

The opening essay of hers is a masterpiece in itself, captivating the reader from the very first sentence.

It draws you in with its elegance and charm, making you eager to explore further.

Moreover, the introduction to her essay is equally beautiful.

It sets the stage perfectly, providing context and a hint of the treasures that lie within.

I am simply in love with the way she feels and expresses those feelings through her writing.

Her words seem to dance on the page, creating a vivid and enchanting world that the reader can easily get lost in.

Eudora Welty's writing is a joy to read, and it leaves a lasting impression on the heart and mind.

Her ability to capture the essence of life and human emotions is truly remarkable, and it is no wonder that she is considered one of the great American writers.
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allemandi96
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Excellent!

This simple word holds a world of meaning. It represents the highest level of achievement, the pinnacle of success. When we describe something or someone as excellent, we are acknowledging their outstanding qualities, their remarkable skills, and their unwavering dedication.

Excellence is not something that comes easily. It requires hard work, perseverance, and a passion for improvement. Those who strive for excellence are constantly pushing themselves to be better, to do more, and to achieve the impossible.

Whether it's in the classroom, in the workplace, or in our personal lives, excellence is something that we should all strive for. It is the key to unlocking our full potential and achieving our dreams. So let us all aim for excellence and never settle for anything less.

Remember, excellence is not a destination, but a journey. It is a continuous process of growth and improvement that requires us to always be learning, always be evolving, and always be striving for more.

So go out there and be excellent! Make a difference in the world and show everyone what you are capable of. Because when you aim for excellence, anything is possible.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
nuhahha
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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In 1939, my grandfather passed away at home.

Most likely, it was because of an infection in his gallbladder.

He was extremely poor and didn't have access to a good doctor at all.

All the stories that my mother shared with me were building up to this tragic event, which had a profound and traumatic impact on her and her siblings.

These stories were centered around Mississippi and the Depression.

Eudora Welty had a job at the Works Progress Administration and she journeyed extensively throughout the state during the Depression era.

Many of the photos in this collection were taken during that time and they closely resemble some of my mother's memories.

I have a deep love for this book.

Welty, despite lacking formal training in photography, managed to take some truly remarkable photos of her state.

She was a great talent and this book is a wonderful legacy.

It is highly recommended to those who have a passion for history, photography, and art.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
SeireiAki
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I had anticipated a greater volume of writing by Eudora Welty, with a detailed discussion of each photograph.

However, the dearth of description was rather disheartening.

It would have been wonderful if the writing had encompassed her personal memories of the place and her profound thoughts regarding what she was observing.

Perhaps she could have delved deeper into the emotions and sensations that each photograph evoked within her.

This would have added a layer of richness and depth to the overall experience of engaging with her work.

As it stands, the lack of detailed description leaves the reader longing for more, eager to know more about the stories and meanings hidden within the photographs.

Hopefully, in future works, Eudora Welty will provide more extensive and evocative writing to accompany her photographs, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in her unique perspective.
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