Richard Avedon's In the American West is widely regarded as a landmark project in photographic history and a definitive expression of the power of photographic art. The reissuing of this legendary book, first published by Thames & Hudson in 1985, is a major event in the photography world. Avedon made numerous journeys over a period of five years to the western states of America, from Montana to New Mexico, where he searched out and photographed ordinary working people - a fascinating contrast to the affluent and fashionable subjects he usually portrayed. Here are cattle-ranch workers, miners, drifters, gamblers, bar girls and oil rig workers - men and women who typify the spirit of life in the 'Wild West'. Avedon captured it in their faces, in their posture, in their dress, and he recorded it with passion and superb technical skill. Over a hundred full-page portraits are magnificently reproduced in tritone and are illuminated by Avedon's own explanations of his photographic method and philosophy. In the American West is one of the most original and powerful photographic works ever published; this new edition is certain to become a prized collector's item.