Robert Doisneau

As a photographer, Robert Doisneau is known for his ability to infuse images of daily life with poetic nuance that imbued his photojournalism with an enduring popular appeal. The unprecedented scope of this collection provides the opportunity to study his more composed, aesthetically structured images alongside his snapshots, which offer a more anecdotal account of Doisneau's Paris. Organized thematically, the book leads us on an entrancing tour through the gardens of Paris, along the Seine, and through the crowds of Parisians who define their beloved city. More than 600 photographs-many rare, forgotten, and previously unpublished-are assembled in this beautiful volume to create a unique portrait of Paris. From toddlers scrambling to cross rue de Rivoli to fresh-faced accordionists, from elegant dog walkers to exuberant roller skaters, and from the indelible kiss in front of the Hetel de Ville to cyclists beneath the Eiffel Tower, the magic of Paris in black and white is a timeless treasure. The photographs, edited by Doisneau's daughter, are complemented by citations from the photographer himself, which reveal his profound fascination with the city where he lived and worked.

Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) is one of the world's most famous and popular photographers. His poetic, touching, and at times nostalgic images of France have become iconic. He did a stint at Vogue, but his real interest lay in capturing on film ordinary people in everyday situations. He received many prizes during his life; since his death in 1994 there have been major retrospectives of his work in Paris, Chicago (The Art Institute), and New York (the Witkin Gallery). Francine Derondille is Doisneau's daughter.