- In the early twentieth century Zaida Ben-Yusuf (1869–1933) was one of the busiest photographers in New York City, maintaining a fashionable studio on Fifth Avenue, exhibiting her distinctly modern portraits across America, Europe and Russia, and publishing work in many magazines. Her self-portraits also challenged traditional perceptions of female identity. This striking book celebrates Ben-Yusuf’s achievement, showcasing a significant selection of her elegant and compelling portraits featuring prominent artistic and political figures of the day.• Brings together much new information about the remarkable life and career of this pioneering woman photographer• Features a revelatory collection of portraits representing a ‘Who’s Who’ of America in the early twentieth century, including Lincoln Steffens, Edith Wharton, Elsie de Wolfe and Robert Henri• An insightful text investigates groundbreaking aesthetic and social changes in the field of photographic portraiture