'Extreme Beauty in Vogue' Edited by Phyllis Posnick
These audacious, outrageous, provocative photos from the iconic magazine showcase the work of Annie Leibovitz, Helmut Newton and Steve Klein and highlight our ever-changing attitudes toward female appearance. (amazon.com)
This stunning collection of photos from the Metropolitan Museum of Art shows that "an undeniable if uncanny beauty abides in the bundled cylindricality of a geisha tottering on raised geta or clogs; the tea-tray supporting bustle of an 1880s French visiting dress; the bound feet and caged nails of aristocratic Manchu women; and the neck-extending chokers of the Masai." (amazon.com)
'Facing Beauty: Painted Women and Cosmetic Art' by Aileen Ribeiro
Rich, colorful and revealing, this coffee table tome probes the changes in female beauty—its ideals and techniques—from the Renaissance to the modern era. (amazon.com)
Glam makeup, elaborate hairdos, false teeth—this kitschy, at times unnerving, and always fascinating ode to child beauty pageants captures the "toddlers and tiaras" subculture, for better or worse. (amazon.com)
In this collection of African American images, from the 1890s to the present, Willis recovers hundreds of images (including photos of Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, Muhammad Ali and Michelle Obama) as well as fascinating snapshots from history such as the barber shop, the bodybuilding contest and prom night. (amazon.com)
Born from the travel narratives of European explorers who discovered Tahiti, this incredible collection of photos from Lucien Gauthier circa 1904 details the beauty of Tahitian women as well as the island's lush landscapes. (amazon.com)
Although Jerry Schatzberg is best known for his film work, Women Then illustrates the ways in which he was able to capture motion in photography. Mostly shot in New York, the book is filled with classic images of women from the 1950s and 1960s, ranging from actress Faye Dunaway and dancer Carmen De Lavallade to the original socialite Edie Sedgewick and the Rolling Stones in drag. (amazon.com)
Fifty-four women from across the country, in all ages, shapes and sizes posed for this courageous, thoughtful compendium of photos on the female nude. (amazon.com)
Portraits of women—the original beauty shots—first became de rigueur in Renaissance-era Florence as illustrated by this flowery collection which includes images from Botticelli, da Vinci and others. (amazon.com)
'Bond Girls are Forever' by Maryam D'Abo and John Cork
Bond girls, from Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) to secret agent Jinx (Halle Berry), populate the pages of this book devoted to 007's iconic, sexy, fantasy woman. (amazon.com)
Afanador portrays generations of flamenco dancers in stunning black and white photographs shot during several sojourns in Andalusia, Spain. (amazon.com)
