This catalogue presents a selection of 135 images - most of which have never before been published - of Marilyn Monroe -the famous star, the myth and the icon of the 20th century. It also includes portraits of other iconic stars, such as Marlon Brando, Mia Farrow, Ursula Andress, Sophia Loren, Judy Garland, Anthony Quinn, Woody Allen and Sean Connery. The photographs recreate a certain magic and charm, providing a journey of discovery, drawing one into Marilyn's private circle. The photographers responsible for the images are Sam Shaw and his son Larry. Sam had his first contact with the world of the cinema in 1950, and met Marilyn in 1951 and from then never abandoned her. It was from him that we received the legendary image of Marilyn on the set of Seven Year Itch, her white dress blown up by the hot air from a grate. This collection is a perfect example of a family archive that bears witness to the spirit of an epoch, both in Hollywood and in Paris. A third of the shots are devoted to Marilyn Monroe, chosen from Shaw's unpublished portraits, and a hundred are photos of the 'friends'. SELLING POINTS: Includes 135 incredible images from Sam Shaw's archives - thirty-five of Marilyn Monroe, the rest of her friends and contemporaries. ILLUSTRATIONS 115 b/w 22 colour