River of Shadows by Rebecca Solnit chronicles the life and technological contributions of Eadweard Muybridge, a nineteenth-century photographer best known for capturing motion in photography, such as the gait of a running horse. The book also explores broader technological trends in the American West and their lasting impacts, particularly in Silicon Valley and Hollywood. Note: the book contains discussions of a fatal shooting and mentions a head injury.

Rebecca Solnit's River of Shadows explores the pivotal contributions of Eadweard Muybridge and their impact on modern visual culture. Reviewers appreciate Solnit's compelling narrative and intricate historical insights. Some critiques highlight a dense prose that can be challenging. Despite this, the book's rich contextualization is widely praised.

Readers who savor cultural history, technological evolution, and the interplay of art and vision will relish River of Shadows by Rebecca Solnit. Fans of The Innovators by Walter Isaacson or The Clockwork Universe by Edward Dolnick will find Solnit's exploration of Eadweard Muybridge's contributions equally enthralling.

Informative / Contemplative / Adventurous / Mysterious

- River of Shadows explores the life and work of Eadweard Muybridge, whose groundbreaking photographic studies of motion played a crucial role in the development of motion pictures.
- Rebecca Solnit illuminates the intersection of technology and art in the 19th century, showing how Muybridge’s innovations contributed to the modern perception of time and space.
- Winner of the 2003 National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism, River of Shadows is acclaimed for its deep dive into the cultural and historical context surrounding Muybridge's contributions.

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