The frontispiece to the work is a magnificent photogravure reproduction of a picture by the distinguished photographer, Mr. Alfred Stieglitz. It is entitled,, "A Wet Day on the Boulevard." It represents a street scene in Paris, and the effect of a wet day is remarkably well rendered. We can almost hear the the rain falling as we see the people with their umbrellas up, hurrying home, casting their reflections in the watery streets.

This photogravure is from the journal generally known as The Photographic Times, one of America’s earliest and most important photographic journals. This publication was an invaluable reference for the ever expanding photography movement in America at the turn of the century and has published samples by some of the greats such as Alfred Stieglitz, Gertrude Kasebier and Alvin Langdon Coburn. The Photographic Times first appeared as a supplement incorporated within the pages of the monthly Philadelphia Photographer, one of the first journals devoted to photography published in America beginning in 1864. By 1889 issues were accompanied by well executed hand-pulled photogravure plates which appeared regularly until 1904. Due to changes in ownership or marketing strategies the name changed at least four times over the course of its 45 year run making keeping track of the specifics very difficult. Initially, this journal was geared to the professional photographer as would be expected, since it was published by the Scovil Manufacturing Co.; the articles mirrored their concerns. Reviews and reports from photographic societies were a regular feature. First edited by Edward Wilson, the editorship transferred to John Thraill Taylor, who enlarged the scope in 1880, when it became The Photographic Times and American Photographer. By 1882, an original mounted photograph was inserted, and in 1887, the size was increased to a large quarto, and fine photomechanical illustrations began appearing. It was becoming the preeminent American journal. The Photographic Times was first published in 1871 as a supplement of The Philadelphia Photographer. It absorbed The American Photographer in 1879 to become The Photographic Times and American Photographer. In 1902, it merged with Anthony’s Bulletin to form The Photographic Times Bulletin. This periodical is most commonly cited as “The Photographic Times"