Marilyn Monroe [Hardcover]

Eve Arnold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Eve Arnold first became associated with Magnum Photos in 1951, becoming a full member in 1955. She was based in America during the 1950s and went to England in 1962, where she has lived when not traveling for work. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Book Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Magazine Photographers, the Kraszna-Krausz Book Award, and an honorary O.B.E. by the British Government. She was also made a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and was elected "Master Photographer" by New York's International Center of Photography.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; 2 Rev Upd edition (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081095933X
• ISBN-13: 978-0810959330
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 11.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #939,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #95 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Monroe, Marilyn

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "GENTLE PORTRAITS...SAD, PASSIONATE, FUNNY", August 21, 2005

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Marilyn Monroe (Hardcover)

In her touching introduction actress Anjelica Huston writes: "Here are gentle portraits of a ravishing child-woman - feline, innocent, anxious, trusting, sad, sweet, passionate and funny...." Quite true.

Photographer Arnold and Monroe enjoyed a ten-year friendship, in fact, interestingly enough, the two met at a party given by actress Huston's father, John Huston. At the time Monroe was still a relative unknown but was intrigued by photographs Arnold had taken of Marlene Dietrich. These were unposed photos not at all like the studio-lit, formal shots so popular. Monroe wanted Arnold to do the same for her. As this volume reveals, Arnold did it beautifully.

1n 198 pages we find photos of Monroe primarily beginning on Long Island in 1952 and concluding with shots of the filming of "The Misfits" in 1960 and an appointment with hairdresser Kenneth in 1961.

Of course, Monroe was a sex symbol yet these photographs by Arnold reveal not only her sexuality but her vulnerability, her humor and her amazing natural beauty.

This is a new edition of the 1987 volume, and includes 28 previously unseen photos. It's a must-have for Monroe fans and cinema buffs alike.

- Gail Cooke

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all Marilyn admirers !!!, September 30, 2005

By 

Thomas M. Nikolaus (PA/CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Marilyn Monroe (Hardcover)

This new printing of Eve Arnold's book is exquisite.
Not only do we see some of the best Marilyn photos ever captured, but Ms. Arnold's text also provides a loving, articulate, and rare personal insight into the real, true Marilyn.

In addition to her superb camera work, Eve Arnold shows that she is also an erudite, poetic and amusing journalist, allowing her readers an unparalled and honest view into the Marilyn Monroe persona.

I love this book !!

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifu images and beautuful words, January 25, 2006

By 

Kenny Covington (Spartanburg, SC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Marilyn Monroe (Hardcover)

Man these are gorgeous photos. Marilyn is that rare bird that created some of the best photos ( I don't want to call them photos more like art pieces) ever! I disagree w/ the reviewer K.S. Pettry about Monroe being a sociopath, first of all a "sociopath" has no conscious so let's get our facts straight. Hey the woman, was HUMAN and complex, and to try and pin her down and label her to make ourselves feel comfortable is futile. Eve Arnold's prose is very astute and right on,and not in the least syrupy or trite. I mean everyone has their own opinion, but unless this particular reviewer knew both women, I'd hesitate before I'd call Ms. Arnold a hanger-on. All in all a gorgeous book, a feast for the eyes.