The Big Book of Breasts, edited by Dian Hanson, is one of the central titles of The Big Book Series and explores the fascination with large breasts through three decades of natural nude photography. The volume places its origins in the cultural context of the Second World War and the postwar period, a time marked by the so-called “breast mania,” which influenced both cinema and photography as well as popular culture, with references to figures such as Russ Meyer, emblematic productions of classic Hollywood, and the rise of commercial lingerie.
From this historical framework, the book reviews the work of numerous iconic models of the twentieth century, including Michelle Angelo, Candy Barr, Virginia Bell, Joan Brinkman, Lorraine Burnett, Lisa De Leeuw, Uschi Digard, Candye Kane, Jennie Lee, Sylvia McFarland, Margaret Middleton, Paula Page, June Palmer, Roberta Pedon, Rosina Revelle, Candy Samples, Tempest Storm, Linda West, June Wilkinson, Julie Wills, and many others, including Norma Stitz, recognized by the Guinness World Records for the largest documented natural bust.
With 396 pages, the publication gathers a wide selection of photographs alongside nine original interviews, some conducted after long periods without public appearances, and the last granted by Candy Barr before her passing in 2005. In a context dominated by cosmetic surgery, the book offers a retrospective look at an era in which photography celebrated the female body from a natural perspective, establishing this volume as a reference work within Taschen’s catalogue and the history of erotic photography.
About the editor
Dian Hanson worked in editing and specialized press between 1976 and 2001, linked to various illustrated publications. Later she joined TASCHEN as editor of the Sexy Books collection. Among her works for the publisher are The Big Book Series, The Art of Pin-up, Masterpieces of Fantasy Art, and Ren Hang.
