As a photohistorian, much of my time in recent years has been spent in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

So my latest second-hand book purchase might, at first glance, seem a little off kilter.

The Photography Year Book 1967 showcases more than 170 images, both colour and black-and-white, featured in Photography magazine during the previous 12 months.

Photography billed itself as ‘Britain’s best photo magazine’ thanks to ‘the world’s best photographers.’

Judging by the contents of its Year Book 1967, this seems a justifiable claim.

As its index reveals, my copy is minus its original colour  cover.

In the mid-60s, Barbara Parkins became a household name thanks to Peyton Place, a hit US tv show of the era.

Being a photography magazine aimed at practitioners, the accompanying ‘Front Cover’ text featured ‘technical data & notes’ about the photograph of her (here in black and white) and its creation.

Viewed from 2024, what is predictable about the Photography Year Book 1967,  is that the featured contributors, both professional and amateur, are overwhelmingly male.

It’s an editorial approach repeated in its choice of five ‘star photographers.’

They were Jesper Hom, David Moore, Choi Min Shik, Bert Stern and Robert Lebeck, all of whose work you will find today in collections and galleries around the world.

Amidst all the admittedly wonderful photographs are eye-catching trade advertisements for assorted cameras and photographic equipment.

Many employ a 60s psychedelic vibe.

My favourite though, promoting Ferrania 3M colour film, calls on a tried-and-tested photographic formula.

It is, by its own admission, ‘purrfect!’

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