In 1946 Cartier-Bresson travelled to New York with about 300 prints in his suitcase, bought a scrapbook, glued each one in and brought that album to MoMA's curators. Here, published for the first time in its entirety, is a facsimile of that famous scrapbook.

2007-06-08 The Best Scrapbook Ever Made..?

In 1946 having presumed Henri Cartier-Bresson dead, a posthumous exhibition of his work was prepared in New York. Henri, upon finding out this amusing mistake, arrived in New york with a scrapbook containing 300 of his favourite images. He presented this to the gallery as a suggestion for his retrospective exhibition. The above gives insight into why, despite it being difficult to show anything new about such a celebrated photographer, this book is still unique.

Thames Hudson along with the Foundation Cartier-Bresson, have lovingly restored this facsimile of Henri Cartier-Bresson's famous scrapbook down to the smallest detail. The result is a fresh and new look at Cartier-Bresson

This huge beautifully bound volume gives a unique insight into what Cartier-Bresson himself thought was his best work. It also shows the context in which he chose to put it. Additonal information is provided by a wonderfully written forward by Martine Franck an introduction by Agnes Sire and an essay by Michel Frizot

In summary this book is a thing of beauty and a wonderful glimpse into the world of one of photography's true greats. It's also a book I fully expect to visit again and again. If you are an afficionado of Bresson you will still find this book a valuable addition to your library. If you have never been introduced to Henri Cartier-Bresson then this book will knock your socks off.