This book contains some great photographs (only some of which are singular portraits), but overall I found it a touch arbitrary. Considering the world reknown for Vanity Fair's editorial work, I expected a carefully curated collection of images that would trace the history of photography in the magazine from its inception to the current day. Unfortunately, while each of the images undoubtedly stands up in their own regard, it was the editorial flair that fell flat. Some images from different time periods were obviously juxtaposed for the sake of tension (occasionally well done), but many just seems to be thrown together with little regard for subject or theme. ( )