National Geographic Image Collection

Behind National Geographic's worldwide reputation as a powerhouse of photography lies one of the most extensive, valuable, and unique graphic resources on Earth: the National Geographic Image Collection. The book by the same name, now in small format, lets readers plumb the fascinating depths of this immense archive from the earliest photographs collected in the late 19th century to the cutting-edge work of today. Both iconic and never-before-seen images from virtually every corner of the globe, every species of wildlife, and amazing human achievements in exploration, adventure, science, and more are showcased and placed in historic, artistic, technical, and journalistic context. The book is divided into four themes: Wilderness, Exploration, and Adventure; Wildlife; Peoples, Cultures, and Lifestyles; Science and Climate Change. Each section's content and images describe the evolution of photography, both technically and aesthetically.

Following this lavish visual journey, readers will be awed by a behind-the-scenes profile of the entire collection, its size, its richly diverse character, and its special collections, ranging from delicate and beautiful autochromes to the famous Alexander Graham Bell collection and more. Imaginative illustrations and fine artwork, including specially-commissioned paintings by N.C. Wyeth, are also featured.

Finally, a complete listing and brief biographies of photographers whose work is represented stands as a fitting tribute to those without whose tireless and brilliant efforts the Collection would not exist.

Editor LEAH BENDAVID-VAL is former director of photography publishing for National Geographic Books and author of five books on photography.

Essayist MICHELLE ANNE DELANEY is associate curator in the Photographic History Collection, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

MAURA MULVIHILL is vice president and director of the Image Collection at National Geographic, where she has worked for 30 years.