The Phaidon 55 series offers pocket-sized photographic books featuring 55 shots by renowned photographers, priced affordably at £4.95 each. The series includes works by the likes of Shomei Tomatsu, Boris Mikhailov, and W Eugene Smith, accompanied by detailed captions and insightful essays. The books emphasize the evocative power of black and white photography, as seen in Tomatsu’s stunning ocean imagery. Mikhailov’s works depict the bleak reality of the former Soviet Union, while Smith’s portfolio showcases a blend of journalistic and artistic excellence. This collection represents excellent value and contributes significantly to photographic publishing. Read Article

The Phaidon 55 series, launched around 2000, is a collection of pocket-sized monographs dedicated to individual photographers. Each volume presents 55 images accompanied by brief commentary and an introductory essay. Designed to be affordable and portable, the series aims to provide accessible introductions to key photographers’ work, encouraging collection like Penguin Classics in literature. The books feature uniform design but vary in image selection and commentary style, with contributions by curators, critics, and photographers. Though the original paperbacks were valued for their usability, a later hardback edition raised prices, making them less accessible. The series remains influential for visual education and photographic writing. Read Article