Books

The first edition of Cecil Beaton's first published photographical work, containing a variety of portraits of the beautiful women of the day. The first edition of this work.In the original torn dustwrapper, dustwrapper is very scarcely seen.Cecil Beaton's first published work, a collection of portrait photographs pondering on the beauty of the time.Beaton is a renowned fashion, portrait, and war photographer, well known and loved for his stage and costume design for films and theatre. He won Academy Awards for his costume design for the films 'Gigi' and 'My Fair Lady'.Illustrated with a colour frontispiece, twenty-seven plates, and in-text illustrations.Collated, complete.The portraits show Edith Sitwell, Anna May Wong, Nancy Beaton, Georgina Curzon, Norma Shearer, Lillie Langtry, Gladys Cooper, and more. The colour frontispiece portrays Queen Alexandra.Each portrait is accompanied by a brief biography. In the original publisher's cloth binding, in the original dustwrapper. Externally, smart, with some light marks to the boards and spine. A little bumping to the head and tail of the spine. Dustwrapper is torn, lacking the bottom half of the wraps and backstrip. Edgewear to the remnants of the wraps, with some chips and closed tears. Some discolouration and marks to the wraps. Internally, generally firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean with some odd spots. Plates of Edith Sitwell and Lady Lavery are working loose. Very Good Indeed.

"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.