Overview
Since its founding in 1947 by Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David "Chim" Seymour, Magnum Photos, the legendary co-operative has powerfully chronicled the peoples, cultures, events, and issues of the time.
Magnum Magnum brings together the best work, celebrating the vision, imagination, and brilliance of Magnum photographers, both the acknowledged greats photography in the twentieth century—among them, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, Eve Arnold, Marc Riboud, and Werner Bischof—and the modern masters and rising stars of our time, such as Martin Parr, Susan Meiselas, Alec Soth, and Donovan Wylie.
Organized by photographer, the book harks back to the agency's early days and the spirit that made it such a unique and creative environment, one which each of the four founding members picture-edited the others' photographs. Here a current Magnum photographer selects and critiques six key works by each of the sixty-nine featured photographers, with a commentary explaining the rational behind the choice.
This new edition provides a permanent record of iconic images from the last sixty years and an insight, as seen through the critical eyes and minds of Magnum photographers, into what makes a memorable photograph.
Editorials
Vogue
Encompasses sixty years of photography by the legendary agency.Library Journal
Weighing in at more than 15 pounds, measuring 12¾" × 15¾", and including more than 400 color and duotone images, this tome Magnum Magnum truly lives up to its name. Published on the legendary photo agency's 60th anniversary, this landmark book showcases no fewer than 69 Magnum photographers, including founding members Robert Capa, George Rodgner, David "Chim" Seymour, and Henri Cartier-Bresson and current members Susan Meiselas, Martin Parr, and Alec Soth. Like the agency itself, the book was a collaborative effort. Each Magnum photographer chooses and critiques another's six key works, e.g., Elliott Erwitt selects and writes on the work of Eve Arnold. This structure provides insight into the minds of some of the world's top image makers. Only current agency members were considered for inclusion; James Nachtwey and Sebastião Salgado, no longer represented by Magnum, are both omitted. Nevertheless, the book's sheer size permits the reader to enjoy these photos on a scale comparable to a gallery experience. With an introduction by photo critic and curator Gerry Badger and a brief history and bibliography on the agency; recommended.
—Shauna Frischkorn