Arranged chronologically, the book offers a fascinating journey through the history of photography as well as a powerful visual chronicle of a changing world. We see the camera evolve from a novelty created by amateur inventors into an invaluable device for documentic historic events. Soon, photographers are not only recording history but also shaping it, as they illuminate society's ills and drive political reform. The camera propels scientific progress as well, probing inside the human body and gazing deep into outer space. Here are crusaders with a camera, including Jacob Riis, Lewis W. Hine and Dorotha Lange. Here are great war photographers: Robert Capa, Larry Burrows and James Nachtwey. Here are fascinating views from behind the lens, with commentary by the photographers and little-known stories that bring famous photos to new life. Here are history's 100 greatest images, in a volume scaled to showcase their power.