Leni Riefenstahl: Five Lives

Produced in collaboration with the artist, now 98, the latest in Taschen's oversized photographers' series showcases Riefenstahl's undeniably unique life here called "lives" as a dancer, actress, photographer, filmmaker, and, most recently, deep-sea diver. Mostly, it is a collection of reproductions of stills from her films and photos from her various books (Last of the Nuba and others have been reissued by St. Martin's in recent years). Although her talent is clear and the work speaks for itself in many ways, larger questions invariably arise. She is certainly one of the most controversial figures in 20th-century arts, and it is nearly inconceivable to discuss her without also examining her connection to Hitler and her years as his favorite filmmaker. Yet the contributors here either gloss over such troubling historic issues or take the artist at her word. In this regard, the book recalls Riefenstahl's dissembling 1995 memoir, though it would best be paired in library collections with the critical biographical film The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl. Still, this is a fine, affordable choice for libraries that don't already own Riefenstahl's individual photography books. Douglas McClemont, New York
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