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