Magnum America: The United States

An epic visual history of the places, people, mythologies and realities of America across eight decades from the renowned photography collective, Magnum Photos.

Magnum America is not a comprehensive photographic history of the United States, but rather draws on stories from the Magnum Archives to ask: What is ‘America’?

Arranged into decade-by-decade chapters spanning from the 1940s to the present day – complete with timelines, story-led individual portfolios and collective portfolios – Magnum America places ordinary and extraordinary people and events side by side, offering a moving interpretation of the nation’s past and present, whilst calling into question its future.

This expansive publication features over 600 illustrations from photographers including Bruce Davidson, Wayne Miller, Eve Arnold, Martin Parr, Alessandra Sanguinetti, Bieke Depoorter, Paul Fusco, Susan Meiselas, Sabiha Çimen and Leonard Freed. Edited by Magnum photographer Peter van Agtmael and Professor Laura Wexler, who also contributes an introductory essay, Magnum America is complemented by a computational analysis and data visualization by Lauren Tilton and Taylor Arnold that works to unpack the myth and mystery of the United States of America.

Breathtaking in scope and abundant with the photographic riches and intelligent, insightful authorship for which Magnum’s photographers are renowned, Magnum America is a vital contribution to the documentation of contemporary American history and a landmark photobook.

Review

'This whirlwind exploration of a complex and ever-evolving nation is a tour de force, guiding us through the key photographs that have come to define the United States' - Aesthetica

'A monumental and satisfying book' - Bryan Appleyard, Literary Review

'A landmark book charting key moments in the U.S. as seen through the lenses of the world’s most famous photographers' - PetaPixel

About the Author

Magnum Photos, the world’s most prestigious photographic agency, was formed in 1947. Peter van Agtmael is a Magnum photographer. His books include Look at the U.S.A., Sorry for the War and Disco Night 9/11. Laura Wexler is a professor of American Studies, Film & Media Studies and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies at Yale University.