Annie Leibovitz

[Book Description]

Annie Leibovitz, one of the most iconic portrait photographers of our time, has not only shaped the classic images of countless public figures, but also vividly documented the cultural spirit of the past half-century. At the invitation of TASCHEN founder Benedikt Taschen, Leibovitz took on an unprecedented challenge: to compile decades of her photographic work into a monumental SUMO-sized art book. This ambitious publishing project took several years to complete and was finally released in 2014. Weighing a staggering 26 kilograms (57 pounds), the book stands as a visual monument, leaving a lasting impression on the worlds of art and publishing.

Now, this colossal volume has been reissued in a more practical XXL-sized edition, making it more accessible to a wider audience eager to experience Leibovitz’s expansive and intimate visual universe. Drawing from over forty years of her photography career, the book includes a wide selection of works—from her early photojournalism for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s to her later conceptual portraiture for Vanity Fair and VOGUE. The subjects span the realms of art, music, politics, and fashion.

Within this collection, readers will encounter many of Leibovitz’s most iconic works—such as the widely circulated final embrace of John Lennon and Yoko Ono—as well as rare and previously unpublished photographs. Through her lens, Leibovitz has captured some of the most influential figures of our time, including Queen Elizabeth II, President Richard Nixon, musician Laurie Anderson, and pop icon Lady Gaga, resulting in a sweeping portrait of contemporary culture.

Reflecting on the editing process, Leibovitz admitted that what began as a simple exercise in choosing photographs suited to large-scale presentation evolved into something deeply personal. “The book is very personal, but the narrative is told through popular culture,” she explained. “It’s not arranged chronologically and it’s not a retrospective. It’s more like a roller coaster—an emotional and visual journey.”

For admirers of Annie Leibovitz’s work, this is far more than just a photography book—it is a visual odyssey across four decades, a testament to how photography can both shape and reflect the times. Whether you’re drawn to her celebrity portraits or her earlier documentary-style images, this book invites readers into Leibovitz’s singular artistic world and revisits the unforgettable moments she has immortalized.

[Product Details]

Authors: Annie Leibovitz, Steve Martin, Graydon Carter, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Paul Roth

Publisher: TASCHEN

Publication Year: 2022

Dimensions: 39.1 × 28.5 cm

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 556 pages