Julia Margaret CameronJoanne Lukitsh

The 'pre-Raphaelite' photographer Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-79) developed a radical approach to photographing the human form. As early as the 1860s and 70s, Cameron - a practically self-taught photographer - was producing some of the most innovative and visually striking portraits of the time through her novel use of focus and lighting. She saw herself as an artist and her photographs reflect both her passion for beauty and the mid-Victorian fascination with literature, myth and heroes.

Photography is the visual medium of the modern world. It pervades our lives and shapes our perceptions. 55 is an ongoing series of beautifully produced pocket-sized, books that explore all aspects and styles of photography. They celebrate the world's most important photographers from the spheres of art, photojournalism, science, street photography, fashion photography and travel photography.

Each volume of 128 pages focuses on an individual master's life work and its development. It features 55 of their key works presented chronologically with an accessible introduction and critical commentaries, telling both the photographer's story and the story of the world that shaped their views.

At the specially low prices, 55 paperbacks offer an irresistible look at modern life from the greatest ever photographers.

Specifications:

  • Format: Paperback
  • Size: 156 × 136 mm (6 1/8 × 5 3/8 in)
  • Pages: 128 pp
  • Illustrations: 55 illustrations
  • ISBN: 9780714840178

Joanne Lukitsh is a Professor of Art History at the Massachusetts College of Art, Boston, USA. She earned her doctorate at the University of Chicago and received an award for her research on Cameron from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

'Elegantly designed, beautifully printed ... and sensitively laid out ... the choice of images is irreproachable ... Even if the series were to stop dead right now, it would already merit an honourable mention in publishing history ... the temptation to keep on collecting the whole set will no doubt afflict many.' (Independent)

'Phaidon 55s are handsome, pocket-sized editions with - you guessed it - 55 key works of one of the 20th century's iconic photographers. And because they cost just £4.95, the idea is you can take them - and even leave them - anywhere: on the table in the coffee shop, or poking suggestively out of your corduroy jacket pocket.' (Financial Times)

'The books are aimed beyond the 'photography buff' to a wider audience. Photography fans won't be disappointed, though: each book contains 55 images, so there's space to include lesser-known gems among the classic.' (Independent on Sunday)