The World's Top Photographers: Nudes: And the Stories Behind Their Greatest Images

I have only breifly scaned the pages twice, but a very diverse group of styles and visions. Most anyone who enjoys the art of the human form will find an artist who is to their taste. A well layed out format, good number os examples for each artist, and good print quality. A real bargin for a living room table book for the uninhibited.

Extremly helpful in learning how to pose people even in clothed shots it give all the basics of building great photos

These dozens of photographers have contributed over 170 of their finest works to this collection. Their visions are all over the place, from Argentini's argent models in arching poses, through Bitesnich's scultpural compositions, Friedler's face-first documentaries, Kuhn's sense of crowding and loneliness, Karsten's happy eroticism, and many more. The coffee-table format (or a little smaller) presents each photo at enjoyable scale. Solid printing on bright, opaque paper makes the most of each image, color or B&W. There's a lot to like in this attractive volume.

There are things to like less, too. Although a few artists include male models, unfashionable figures, or darker skin tones, the pattern tends towards female, Anglo coloring, thin and twenty-something. Few, if any, challenge the viewer with novel visions of the human person - but none really offend, either. Some capture moments that I would have let roam free: bare matresses, for example, just look tawdry to me.

Using my taste as the yardstick, the good outweighs the not-so-good. Many of these artists do as the cover did, analyzing human grace in literal and sometimes baffling ways. I can't promise something for everyone, but many of these artists are easy to enjoy. I'll be looking for more of their work.

-- wiredweird

This is a great collection of very inovative and professionally done photography that my husband and I both enjoyed. We would recommend to anyone who enjoys original, color and black and white photography and of course the naked female and male body.

Having bought 'Portraits: The World's Top Photographers and the stories behind their greatest images', I thought I would check out the 'Nudes' book from this same series. I was disappointed with it. My disappointment may be from the fact that the 'Portraits' book was excellent and the 'Nudes' just did not live up to my expectations. If you are interested in a book from this series get the Portraits book. I have not seen the other books in the series so cannot comment on them.