Photographs touch us, move us and enchant us. The Sygma photo archive at the gates of Paris preserves fifty million of the best photographs of their time and is one of the most extensive collections ever, with photos depicting characters who both inspire and polarise, as well as those chronicling the events that have shaped the lives of people all over the world. Subjects also include legends of the silver screen, sports heroes and charismatic personalities from politics and society, along with dramatic scenes from conflict areas and historic moments such as the fall of the Berlin Wall. Photographers who are committed, passionate and willing to take risks have captured not only the unforgettable moments but also offer new and surprising insights into world affairs and its protagonists. Taken up close and having tremendous documentary power, these pictures cast a spell over their audience. People are always at their centre. Photos of political and military conflicts emphasize the effects on individuals. Extraordinary portraits feature the intimate and vulnerable side of celebrities and thus – devoid of all sensationalism – become empathetic character studies. The combination of fascinating images from the collection contained in this book comprises an exciting visual journey through the second half of the 20th century.

Photographs touch us, move us and enchant us. The Sygma photo archive at the gates of Paris preserves fifty million of the best photographs of their time and is one of the most extensive collections ever, with photos depicting characters who both inspire and polarise, as well as those chronicling the events that have shaped the lives of people all over the world. Subjects also include legends of the silver screen, sports heroes and charismatic personalities from politics and society, along with dramatic scenes from conflict areas and historic moments such as the fall of the Berlin Wall. Photographers who are committed, passionate and willing to take risks have captured not only the unforgettable moments but also offer new and surprising insights into world affairs and its protagonists. Taken up close and having tremendous documentary power, these pictures cast a spell over their audience. People are always at their centre. Photos of political and military conflicts emphasize the effects on individuals. Extraordinary portraits feature the intimate and vulnerable side of celebrities and thus – devoid of all sensationalism – become empathetic character studies. The combination of fascinating images from the collection contained in this book comprises an exciting visual journey through the second half of the 20th century.