More than any other pinup girl or star of the silver screen, Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) has captivated the minds of an entire generation. With her come-hither stare and womanly figure, she continues to be one of Hollywood's sexiest women. While many photographers captured Monroe's obvious sexuality, Eve Arnold, the only woman to have photographed her extensively, captured some of the most tender images ever seen of the Hollywood starlet.
Following a 1952 photo shoot for Esquire magazine, Monroe and Arnold forged a wonderful friendship. Marilyn Monroe chronicles the six photography sessions that took place over the course of their 10-year bond, including a two-month-long session while Monroe was shooting The Misfits . With almost 100 photographs-this new edition includes 48 previously unseen photographs not published in the long-out-of-print first edition-combined with Arnold's revealing text, this poignant book gives great insight into the career and personality of one of the world's most beloved icons. Perfect for fans of Hollywood's golden era and anyone intrigued by Monroe's captivating image, this book shows a sensitive side to Marilyn Monroe that is rarely seen.
Being a Marilyn fan, I was excited to see photographs of her taken by Eve Arnold; not just because she is a woman, but because the pics were of a more natural, candid nature. Aside from some lovely shots of her in a summer dress and on the set of the Misfits, there are some details tacked on (she ate alot of cottage cheese) Eve captures the natural moments of solitude, personal grooming and joking around with her co-stars that was cool to see. The author notes that some of this lap-sitting and massaging should have been a cry for help-I disagree. I think Marilyn was a "live life to the fullest" kind of woman who liked to have fun and joke around. Why don't you check it out and decide?
AMAZING. Eve Arnold is a favorite photojournalist of mine. I am always in awe when viewing her work and find myself always going back to it. If you are a Marilyn fan as well as a photography fan...This is for your viewing pleasure.
I am a huge Marilyn Monroe fan, and getting to know more about her life from a journalist who actually came in contact with her was a great experience. This hardcover is also emotional, and it definitely put Marilyn to her best :)
Arnold respects and cherishes Marilyn without coddling or glorifying her, in a way that is genuine without coming across as an attempt to capitalize on the intimate relationship the two women cultivated. Highly recommend.
I got this right after reading When We Were Brilliant (Lynn Cullen)...I have many books about Marilyn (have always felt a connection to her since I first saw her when I was in my early twenties)...and Eve Arnold I had not given enough attention to until reading that book...............needless to say, Lynn Cullen: your book has added so much to my understanding Eve and Marilyn...many thanks for your work:)
I love this book but because of the time when most of these photos were taken (just before her death) it is a very sad book. There is a more recent edition of this book by Eve Arnold which I bought as well.
I can't help but think that in her eagerness to be respectful and loyal Arnold, perhaps, held herself back a little in terms of what she could have done. But I loved the unsentimental text and imagery. Very beautiful, honest and painful in a 'practical' way.
My second favorite collection of Marilyn Monroe photographs. Also very sad because many were taken on the set of the Misfits towards the end of her life.