The city of Pittsburgh, a symbol of mid-century American industrial might, becomes the subject of an ambitious photographic essay. Commissioned for the city's bicentennial, W. Eugene Smith, a renowned but volatile photographer, intended to capture the essence of Pittsburgh. Despite a planned three-week assignment, Smith remained for a year, producing nearly seventeen thousand photographs. This collection focuses on the core images Smith himself considered the synthesis of his monumental work, offering a profound look at the city and postwar America.

This collection presents W. Eugene Smith's deeply personal and extensive photographic study of Pittsburgh, a project he considered his greatest work. The assemblage focuses on the images Smith himself deemed essential, offering a unique perspective on the city and the broader context of mid-century America. The book provides a rare glimpse into the ambitious scope of Smith's vision, which extended far beyond the initial commission. It stands as a significant testament to his artistic dedication and his ability to capture the soul of a place and its people.