Book Description

There have been many Marilyn Monroe photo books—but nothing like this. Curator and photographic preservationist David Wills has amassed one of the world's largest independent archives of original Marilyn Monroe photographs. Now, in Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis, he has gathered spectacular, museum-quality work from Marilyn's key photographers—Richard Avedon, George Barris, Cecil Beaton, Bernard of Hollywood, Andre de Dienes, Elliott Erwitt, Milton Greene, Philippe Halsman, Tom Kelley, Douglas Kirkland, Willy Rizzo, Sam Shaw, and many others—to create this dazzling portfolio of images from every period of Marilyn Monroe's adult life, from her wedding day in 1942 till just weeks before her death two decades later. Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosis pays homage to her continually evolving style and extraordinary beauty. Among the highlights: Previously unseen Kodachrome, dye transfer, and Carbro prints of Norma Jeane from her modeling career. Classic portraits and pinups in luscious full color, digitally restored from the original transparencies. Never-before-seen photos from the sets of The Seven Year Itch, Some Like It Hot, The Misfits, and Something's Got to Give. Rare candid of Marilyn with Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II, Joe DiMaggio, Arthur Miller, and others. Previously unpublished photos by Richard Avedon, George Barris, Cecil Beaton, David Conover, Elliott Erwitt, John Florea, Tom Kelley, Richard C. Miller, Frank Powolny, Willy Rizzo, Zinn Arthur, and many others. Pairing more than two hundred first-generation photos with reflections on Marilyn from her friends, work associates, and admirers—and including her last interview, in which she reflects on her life and fame—Marilyn Monroe: Metamorphosiss is an unforgettable showcase of the actress's transformation from an unknown factory worker to one of the most recognized faces in history.