[BYU] [Mormon Photographer]Taylor, Randy G. [Nelson B. Wadsworth]

Photo Press Book of Current Events from 1977 [with] Typed Letter Signed

Provo: N.p., 1978. 31x23cm, [20]ff. Consists or 29 original photographs with clipped, typewritten captions for most, opposite the images. Each photo is on 25x20.5cm paper, the images ranging from 12-18cm x 14-18cm. The photos and captions are housed in a bound album with black plastic covers and a printed paper label. Near fine condition with some residue and staining to the verso of a few photographs.

One of a kind photo press book from Randy G. Taylor, then a student at BYU, presented to his mentor, professor, and prominent photojournalist, Nelson B. Wadsworth (1930-). This hand constructed book consists of original images from 1977 ranging from Taylor's time doing freelance work in Paris to photographs on campus in Provo. Photographs range from grim scenes of protest to the BYU football team to the Utah State mental hospital and much in between. As described in the captions, Taylor began work as a professional for the Associated Press the following year. He also sold images to Time Magazine, People Weekly, Sports Illustrated, and others. His most famous coverage was of the Gary Gilmore affair in Utah.

Accompanying the book is a TLS from Taylor to his professor at BYU, Nelson Wadsworth, offering the book as a Christmas gift. Wadsworth's influence on the young journalist is evident in the gushing letter full of memories and life-shaping events of the author's transition from student to professional, which is documented in the collection.

Highlights include:
Walter Mondale as Vice President on his first trip to Paris.
The self-inflicted burn wounds of a protester at the Soviet Airlines office on the Champs-Elysées.
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, W. Michael Blumenthal at the International Monetary Fund meeting in Paris.
Actor Johnny Whitaker and BYU mascot, Cosmo, white washing the block "Y."
Donny Osmond at his new studio in Orem Utah, with whom Taylor had a great falling out, which he hints at a couple times in the captions.
Gay rights activists near the Utah State Capital, protesting a visit by Anita Bryant.
BYU's football team, with a couple photos of LaVell Edwards.
A striking series of 7 images of patients at the Utah State mental institution.

A unique and varied set of photographs from a talented journalist.

. Item #5300

Price: $250.00

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