50 Photo Icons. the Story Behind the Pictures Hardcover – Illustrated, 24 May 2017

This is a large and heavy book and without equal or an alternative. It is very different from any other which you are likely to possess, should you choose to buy it, which I suggest be considered. It looks at 50 memorable images from about the last 175 years and attempts to tell and to fully explain their individual and very different stories.The cover photograph is one of those which many, especially those above a certain age, will remember very well. Others may also recognise it. I don't need to repeat the story as it is in the book, but I know of two 'explanations', both often repeated. The photograph was taken by Alfred Eisenstadt in 1945 on VJ Day, the day upon which Japan surrendered. One version of the story was that the photographer was looking for a picture, saw the girl and the sailor as individuals who did know each other and urged the sailor to grab and kiss the girl. The other, repeated here, suggests that it was the sailor's idea to grab the girl totally unaware that they were to be photographed. Whichever version is the truth, this is unarguably not only one of the most iconic images of WW2, but of all time and has been reprinted many times in books and magazines ever since.The purpose of this book is to take 50 such images, more or less from Day #1 of the history of photography until about the Millennium, and explain their stories. Each of the 50 images is shown full-page or double-page as a prelude to the photo-essay that follows. Some of the images may be familiar as may be the names of their photographers; in some instances, neither will be familiar.The importance of the images is different in almost every case. It may be important in the history of photography, but otherwise not in the broader sense, as with some of the older images or mainly of importance historically but also artistically. That of Bert Stern's photograph of the actress/performer Marilyn Monroe, supported by others from the same series, is important for several reasons; one because of the nature of its images and another because it was the final sitting she gave before her death less than three weeks later.There are 50 different stories here, each with a different photographer and there is a natural and variable progression in time from the earliest to the most recent. There is a Contents page with a thumbnail of the respective image upon which each article was written.The book is published by Taschen and is of their exceptionally high standards. This is the latest revised edition, of which there have been a few prior, and published in 2012. It is not a photography book in the simplest sense, nor is it specifically about photography, other than that it happened to be the medium used. It is a book about images, history, attitudes and also events, but is not just limited to those. As the wrapper label proclaims, it is a 25th Anniversary Edition celebrating the birth of Taschen and sold at a heavily discounted price. Because of its unusual nature, historical importance and near-minimal price, it should be of wide interest but is probably not well known.I have added it to my collection and it will hold an important position. I strongly suggest that more people consider doing likewise.

A large, beautiful book containing, as the title indicates, 50 iconic photographs, mostly from the 20th century, in full-page, or full double-page, format, with excellent accompanying texts about the photographs themselves and their context, and about the photographers. Hugely and interestingly informative, and all at a bargain price. A great item for anyone interested in photography and its history. I bought a couple as gifts in addition to one for our home.

Bought for my husband for Father's Day along with another book of photographs. We both liked this one a spent ages studying the photos and the stories they tell.

A lovely coffee table book with all these well known photos and the interesting stories behind them.Amazing, lovely, buy it now.. :)

fine but highly selective 50 Images here, 28 Aug. 2015Edit ReviewDelete ReviewThis review is from: 50 Photo Icons: 25 Jahre TASCHEN (Hardcover)first of all be aware : this version being sold here is in GERMAN.see the separate listing for the English language version.an excellent large and chunky hardback book form Taschen ( approx. 12 x 10" that features just 50 photos from 1827 - 2001 of arguably some of the most iconic and important images of all time. an excellent weighty (yes its heavy) quality coffee table book that looks good , has erudite commentary and detailed analysis of these 50 photos and at £10 or less delviered to your door.50 Photo Icons is a fine book but the selection by author Hans-Michael Koetze is controversial i feel. yes there is Lartargue, Stieglitz, Capa, Strand, Lange, Man Ray, Doiseneau, Mapplethorpe, Slagado etc but no Adams, Egglestone ,Rodchenko or Parks for me make this book certainly worth your money but not definitive but a personal choice of Koetzle. the book actually features several other photos from each artist selected as a wider appreciation and context of their work which is welcome and the full page size of the actual 50 selected images certainly gives enjoyment , whether you need just 50 images and an in depth analysis of the intent, social context, over four pages per artist is for you to decide. i have several fine wider ranging other photo books by Taschen such as 20thCentury Photography a fine alternative by Rueuen Golden's Witness (published by seven oaks) also that might offer the more casual photography fan a wider choice of images to enjoy with less commentary perhaps.five stars for the Taschen high quality of printing and analysis by the author, four stars for the actual choice and for some possible serious omisssions here.