Edward Steichen (1879-1973) is unquestionably one of the most prolific, influential, and indeed controversial names in the history of photography. He was admired by many for his achievements as a fine-art photographer, while impressing countless others with the force of his commercial accomplishments. The influence of his legendary exhibition, The Family of Man, is still felt.This volume traces Steichen s career trajectory from his Pictoralist beginnings to his time with Conde Nast through his directorship of photography at the Museum of Modern Art. Hundreds of his photographs are reproduced in stunning four-color to reveal the complexities and nuances of these black-and-white images. Essays from a range of scholars explore his most important subjects and weigh his legacy. Contributors include A. D. Coleman, Joanna T. Steichen, and Ronald Gedrim. With a full bibliography and chronology, this is the most complete and wide-ranging volume on Steichen ever published.

Edward Steichen is unquestionably one of the most prolific, versatile, influential and controversial names in the history of photography. This is the most complete and wide-ranging volume on Steichen ever published. Admired by many for his achievements as a fine-art photographer, he nevertheless impressed countless others with the force of his commercial work. Portraiture, the nude, fashion, landscape, cityscape, dance, theatre, war, advertising, still life and flower photography – no genre, it seems, went unexplored or unaffected by him. Graphic design, typography and art direction were also fertile ground for Steichen and his curation of the exhibition The Family of Man – which attracted well over nine million visitors worldwide – was greatly admired. This fine volume, published to accompany the first posthumous European retrospective exhibition of his work, traces Steichen’s career trajectory from his early Pictoralist beginnings to his time working with Condé Nast and Directorship at The Museum of Modern Art. See the New York Times's enthusiastic review of the show. Hundreds of vintage photographs are accompanied by essays from a range of scholars who explore Steichen’s subjects and his legacy. Includes a full bibliography and a chronology of his career.