“Edward S. Cutis: Unpublished Southwest"
 
Evocative and Intriguing
 
Step into the hidden corners of Edward Sherriff Curtis' vast photographic archive with the third volume in the Curtis Legacy Foundation’s “Unpublished Series”—Edward S. Curtis: Unpublished Southwest. This stunning collection showcases 250 images captured between 1900 and 1926, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives and cultures of more than 20 Southwest Native American tribes and pueblos. These photographs, the majority never seen, were carefully selected from the Curtis family archives and offer a fresh perspective on the renowned photographer's work. 
 
Accompanying these remarkable images are personal memoirs from Edward Curtis and his children, providing a unique insight into his artistic vision, motivations, and the profound impact his experiences had on his family. Additionally, the book features insightful perspectives from contemporary Southwest Native Americans, offering their diverse perspectives on the enduring power of Curtis' work and its relevance in today's world.
 
Journey from the heart of the Havasupai in the Grand Canyon to the majestic heights of the Hopi Pueblo. Witness their traditions, ceremonies, and daily life as they lived centuries ago. “Unpublished Southwest” reaches beyond what was included in “The North American Indian,” offering additional invaluable perspectives of the Old Ways.
 
“Our approach to the canyon [Cańon de Chelly] was unimpressive, but gradually the red sandstone walls increased in height until they extended from hundreds to a thousand feet into the turquoise sky. From dripping water through the ages, a tapestry of pattern has developed in tracery on the walls, changing color with the sun’s illumination.
 
“There is a small colony of Indians who live in the cańon a portion of the year that weather permits. Extreme cold in the winter forces them out, but they return again in the spring to their hogans to plant corn and melons and tend their peach trees. Small flocks of sheep and a few goats are tended by small boys and their sheep dogs. They live in serene simplicity.”   ~ Edward S. Curtis
 
When Edward Curtis’ only grandchild, Jim Graybill, at 92 years old, was no longer able to care for the Curtis Family Collection, it was placed in the trusted hands of the Curtis Legacy Foundation. The Foundation was established by Curtis’ three great-grandchildren in 2019 to continue Edward Curtis' legacy and amplify the voices of contemporary Native Americans. During an inventory of this family collection, they discovered hundreds of unpublished images among the assortment of stored photographs in Jim’s attic. Once this treasure trove of pictures was discovered, it became a Foundation goal to make them available to not only the public, but to the Native communities from which they came from. It is difficult to think these photographs were not chosen for Curtis’ famed grand opus, “The North American Indian” 
 
Through the power of technology, it is now possible to repair damaged negatives and prints that Curtis was not able to use in the early 1900s. Now restored to the beautiful images Edward had initially envisioned, we are proud to share the archives with all of you.
 
As the third book in the “Unpublished Series,” you now have the chance to get the first glimpse at Curtis’ amazing photographs rarely ever seen before of the Southwest region. 
 
“If Canyon de Chelly echoed, you found a way to make those voices heard. One of those voices you captured was undoubtedly Curtis’! Edward Curtis came to life for me through your writing, the great-grandchildren, and his pictures. Thank you for allowing me, as a reader, to feel like I was catapulted into the past for a front-row seat to witness a time of transition for individuals trying desperately to hold onto their culture in the face of colonialism. Reading just how difficult his travels and work were, left me dumbfounded!  This book is amazing!” Donna
 
The book will be a 9" x 12" matte hardcover coffee table book with 300-plus pages. The book will be produced with offset printing on an 8-color Heidelberg press and printed on 80# coated, matte interior pages. This book will certainly be one you will want to show off!