W Eugene Smith Biography - which one?

[Willie]

Looking at Gene Smith biographies. A number of books to choose from.
Amazon has some crazy prices listed - $300-500 for some?

If anyone is familiar with the various books, which will give more in depth information about the man, the photographer & maybe his legacy as he was working?

[jim_jm]

"W. Eugene Smith - Shadow and Substance" by Hughes is an extensive biography and gives a lot of insight into his life and struggles. The photos are secondary to the text, but it's a great read.
If you can find it, "W. Eugene Smith Photographs 1934-1975" by Mora & Hill is an excellent book, focusing on the images he took throughout his career. The reproductions are excellent and I find myself pulling this one down often just to look at them.
I've read "Let Truth be the Prejudice" and it's also an great book. Hardcover is listed on Amazon for $300, which is crazy since you should be able to find it used in good condition for less than $50.

[Mark Sampson]

The Hughes biography is worthwhile, but needed some serious editing. On the other hand, it's the best we'll ever have.
I still cherish my copy of "Let Truth be the Prejudice".
The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona holds his archive; they published a huge tome called "The Big Book", a 3-volume boxed set, which must be the most comprehensive collection of his work. We have a copy at home, but I have yet to get through it all. One of these days!

[r_a_feldman]

You should also add “The Jazz Loft Project” to your Smith reading list.