Marilyn Monroe Centenary Book Reveals Rare Photographs

To celebrate Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday, ACC Art Books, in partnership with the Marilyn Monroe Estate, has published 'Marilyn Monroe 100: The Official Centenary Book.' This 275-image collection, introduced by Rachel Syme of The New Yorker, chronicles Monroe's journey from her Norma Jean beginnings to her last beach photoshoot in Santa Monica. The book highlights her work with notable photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Richard Avedon, Allan Grant, Milton H. Greene, Eve Arnold, and Sam Shaw. Notably, Grant's photos from Monroe's Brentwood residence appeared in Life on August 3, 1962, alongside her last interview. After Sam Shaw's passing in 1999, his family archive revealed unseen photos and letters. His granddaughter, Melissa Stevens, mentions that Shaw chose not to monetize Monroe's images out of respect, releasing them only ten years posthumously. The book also delves into Monroe's connections with photographers, including her early friendship with Shaw in the 1950s, where she would give him rides. After her 1954 relocation to New York, Shaw guided her around the city and worked on a beach series in Amagansett, using prompts like 'Medusa' and 'Aphrodite.'