From Publishers Weekly
In his work for Harper's Bazaar, Vogue (British, French and German), GQ, W., and other glossies, photographer Thompson has shot some of the world's most beautiful people, in stark, highly stylized settings. This giant-sized book presents 82 of his photos (51 in color) in full-page format, with blank facing pages to minimize distraction. Seeing a shot like Julianne Moore as Vermeer's St. Praxedis is lovely enough, but how about Claudia Schiffer, in a flowing gown, presented standing against a pure black background, with a bizarre seated double-exposed Reflection? Most of the photos have titles like Twins, White Dress, Fire and Twisting Nude that belie the complexity of their lighting and pose. In the end, though, this book looks like what it is: a compendium of highly competent commercial work that is lovely and evocative, and that will be able to serve as the photographer's calling card for years. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Description
In his first book, photographer Michael Thompson offers a grand, almost fantastical vision of fashion, glamour, and style. A compelling yet enigmatic sequence of radiant images-plucked from his fashion spreads, portrait shoots, and personal projects-unfolds across these pages, transcending the original commissions to form a dreamlike narrative. Thompson, with editor Dennis Freedman, presents a surrealistic high-concept exploration of the theme of seeing with one's eyes closed, even as he seduces us with his photographic craftsmanship. Invoking a pantheon of sources, references, and inspirations-from Vermeer, Man Ray, and Cocteau to Kubrick and Coppola-Thompson has turned the cool, austere style for which he is known upside down to reveal its lush, dark under-pinnings. This deluxe volume brings together Thompson's alluring photographs of some of the world's most celebrated subjects and beautiful models, including Claudia Schiffer, Sting, Kate Moss, and Britney Spears. The book reveals as never before the versatile and inventive vision of this stellar photographer.

About the Author
Michael Thompson is one of the leading fashion and celebrity photographers of his generation. His work appears regularly on the covers and in the pages of major magazines, including Vanity Fair, Allure, W, and Vogue. He lives in New York City. Dennis Freedman is the creative director of W Magazine and vice chairman of Fairchild Publications. Vince Aletti has been the photography critic for the Village Voice since 1987 and is currently also the paper's art editor.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In his first book, photographer Michael Thompson offers a grand, almost fantastical vision of fashion, glamour, and style. A compelling yet enigmatic sequence of radiant images-plucked from his fashion spreads, portrait shoots, and personal projects-unfolds across these pages, transcending the original commissions to form a dreamlike narrative. Thompson, with editor Dennis Freedman, presents a surrealistic high-concept exploration of the theme of seeing with one's eyes closed, even as he seduces us with his photographic craftsmanship.

Invoking a pantheon of sources, references, and inspirations-from Vermeer, Man Ray, and Cocteau to Kubrick and Coppola-Thompson has turned the cool, austere style for which he is known upside down to reveal its lush, dark under-pinnings. This deluxe volume brings together Thompson's alluring photographs of some of the world's most celebrated subjects and beautiful models, including Claudia Schiffer, Sting, Kate Moss, and Britney Spears. The book reveals as never before the versatile and inventive vision of this stellar photographer.

Author Bio: Michael Thompson is one of the leading fashion and celebrity photographers of his generation. His work appears regularly on the covers and in the pages of major magazines, including Vanity Fair, Allure, W, and Vogue. He lives in New York City. Dennis Freedman is the creative director of W Magazine and vice chairman of Fairchild Publications. Vince Aletti has been the photography critic for the Village Voice since 1987 and is currently also the paper's art editor.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly