THE THEATRE OF THE FACE is an engaging and authoritative account of the history of portrait photography by one of the world's leading photography critics. It is an essential title for all photography students and enthusiasts, and for anyone interested in portraiture, one of the most popular and enduring of all photographic genres. The book covers many styles and movements, including works by pioneers such as Edward Sheriff Curtis; seminal figures such as Walker Evans, Cecil Beaton, and August Sander; and artists such as Martin Parr, Cindy Sherman, and Philip Lorca diCorcia. With over three hundred black & white and color photographs, THE THEATRE OF THE FACE offers a new perspective on the history of photography by examining the personalities both behind and in front of the camera.

Max Kozloff is one of the leading photography critics working today and the recipient of numerous prizes and fellowships. Formerly the editor of ARTFORUM, he is a prolific writer and has taught numerous photography courses. He is a noted photographer himself, having exhibited in the United States, Mexico, and India. His passion for portraiture stems from his own visual practice and his belief that this genre is photography's central project.