Books

BEATON, Cecil [67] pp. Duckworth 1930 11 1/4" x 9" w/ Frederick Carlisle Baker bookplate Cecil Beaton's scarce first book. The Book of Beauty is Beaton's unashamed paean to the beauty of the women who inhabit his world. The book is inspired by books of beauty published in the Victorian period and by his childhood fascination with the theatricality and glamour of the opposite sex. Photographs of women are accompanied by flowery descriptions. Sitters include Baba and Nancy Beaton, Edith Sitwell, Tallulah Bankhead, Tilly Losch, Nancy Cunard and Lady Diana Cooper. The whole captures the wit, intelligence and spirit of the modern women. The Book of Beauty is a 1930 book by Cecil Beaton, his first published book of photographs. In his concept of beauty, Beaton, with sketches and photographs, highlights actresses such as Tallulah Bankhead and Anna May Wong but also modernist literary figures like Edith Sitwell and Nancy Cunard. Contents: Lillie Langtry Lily Elsie Gaby Deslys Gina Palerme Mary Curzon, Lady Howe The Morgan Sisters (Thelma Furness, Viscountess Furness and Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt) Gladys Cooper Rosamond Pinchot Lady Diana Abdy The Beaton Sisters (Nancy Beaton and Baba Beaton) The Jungman Sisters (Zita Jungman and Baby Jungman) Edith Sitwell Virginia Woolf Hazel Lavery Tallulah Bankhead The French Sisters (Essex French and Valerie French) Lillian Gish Marion Davies Norma Shearer Alice White Greta Garbo Irene Castle Gertrude Lawrence Lady Eleanor Smith and Lady Pamela Smith Hon. Daisy Fellowes Tilly Losch Vicomtess Alice de Janz� Marjorie Oelrichs Mrs Gordon Beckles Wilson Mona Williams The Ruthven Twins (Alison Ruthven and Peggy Ruthven) Paula Gellibrand, Marquise de Casa Maury Nada Ruffer and Clarita de Uriburu Freda Dudley Ward Anita Loos Adele Astaire Lady Nancy Cunard Lady Sylvia Ashley Lady Diana Cooper.

"The Book of Beauty" by Cecil Beaton is a captivating exploration of beauty, style, and glamour during the mid-20th century. Cecil Beaton, a multifaceted artist renowned for his work as a photographer, designer, and diarist, curated this visually stunning masterpiece. The book features an exquisite collection of Beaton's iconic portraits, capturing the essence of celebrities, royalty, and socialites who defined the era. Through the lens of Beaton's camera, readers are transported into a world of elegance and sophistication. The pages unfold like a visual narrative, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision that characterized Beaton's career. His subjects include luminaries such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and the British royal family, among others. Each photograph is a testament to Beaton's ability to capture not just the physical beauty of his subjects but also their personalities and the zeitgeist of the time. Beyond the mesmerizing images, the book offers insightful commentary by Beaton himself. His words provide context, anecdotes, and reflections on the creative process, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships and stories behind the photographs. Beaton's keen observations and wit add layers of meaning to the visual feast, making "The Book of Beauty" not only a collection of stunning photographs but also a thoughtful exploration of the intersection of art, culture, and identity. The book's timeless quality lies in its ability to transcend the specific time period it portrays. While rooted in mid-20th century glamour, Beaton's work continues to inspire contemporary audiences, influencing fashion, photography, and the broader cultural landscape. "The Book of Beauty" serves as both a historical document and a celebration of enduring style, reminding us of the lasting impact of beauty in all its forms.