Flashes of Brilliance by Anika Burgess recounts the wild, experimental early days of photography from the 1830s to the early 20th century, spotlighting the eccentric inventors and artists who pushed its boundaries. Blending art, science, and social history, Burgess explores how pioneers captured never-before-seen worlds--from the ocean depths to the moon's surface--and revolutionized how we see motion, anatomy, and identity. The book also examines early photo manipulation, surveillance, and photography's role in political and cultural expression, all richly illustrated and compellingly told