MALE BODIES

By Emmanuel Cooper | Published by Prestel, 2004 | Purchase at Amazon.com

Covering a century and a half, many of the all-time great visionaries of the artistic male nude are featured in this epic volume. It features both famous photographers and those who might be considered a bit more obscure. But the overall vision is absolutely inspiring. Alongside each body of work from each respective photographer is a detailed and scholarly history which illuminates the life and times and work of that particular artist. It's a fascinating read and will provide students and fans of the genre with a thoroughly engaging and insightful examination.

This is not a cheesy potpourri of naked men on parade, but is more of a serious, thoughtful, and intelligent study. Many of the photos are considered to be extremely rare and even longtime fans will find numerous surprises inside. If an erudite and eclectic landscape of male nudes from such varied talents as Nan Goldin, Joel-Peter Witkin, Annie Leibovitz, and Tony Butcher is what you're after, there is no better choice than Male Bodies.