Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks was a groundbreaking photographer, filmmaker, writer, and composer, widely recognized for his iconic photojournalism documenting American life, particularly for Life magazine, and for directing the influential blaxploitation film "Shaft."

Gordon Parks directed the 1971 film "Shaft," which was based on the novel by Ernest Tidyman. He also directed the film adaptation of his own semi-autobiographical novel, "The Learning Tree."

Gordon Parks was incredibly versatile, working across photography, film direction, writing novels and memoirs, composing music, and even poetry. His photographic work often focused on social justice and civil rights.

For an introduction to his life and perspective, "A Choice of Weapons" is his acclaimed autobiography. For his fiction, "The Learning Tree" offers a semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story.