THE DECISIVE MOMENT: Photographs by Henri Cartier-Bresson

New York: Simon and Schuster, 1952. Very good.. First US edition of one of the greatest photobooks of the 20th century. Published in France as IMAGES A LA SAUVETTE in the same year, THE DECISIVE MOMENT was called by Robert de Capa the "Bible for photographers." A monograph of Cartier-Bresson's best work, containing selections from throughout his career, the title "defines the elegance of Cartier-Besson's imagery: the instant when all the elements in the picture-frame come together to make the perfect image" (Parr & Badger). With original pamphlet of numbered captions to accompany the photographs, with cultural and technical notes and anecdotes. 14'' x 10.5''. Original pictorial paper-covered boards. Cover designed by Matisse. With: stapled pamphlet (12.5'' x 9.5'') laid in. Afterword, "A Technical Note to Photographers," by Richard L. Simon. 126 black and white photographs. Engraving and printing by Draeger Frères. Owner's bookplate to front paste-down. Boards slightly bowed, with moderate edgewear, scuffing, and light soil. Toning and light creasing to pamphlet.