The scenes may be familiar or a world away, the milieu peace or war, the subjects everyday objects or life-changing events. The work may be editorial, journalistic, promotional or personal, published or unpublished. The photographer may be a big name or an unknown. The 300 images here are united by their success, by strong composition, clear communication and often by beauty. Together, they embody a year in the life of the medium we live by. American Photography is the perfect window on the world of contemporary photography, with a striking design that makes it a beautiful object in its own right, as well as a time capsule in the making, reflecting the world we inhabit and imagine.