August Sander, a renowned 20th-century photographer, embarked on an ambitious project to portray the German people through portraits spanning the pre-World War I, Weimar, and National Socialist eras. This book, chronicled by George Steeves, explores Sander's photographic journey, highlighting his unique approach to capturing individuals from diverse social backgrounds. Despite societal divides, Sander's respectful portrayals remain timeless. Steeves provides insight into Sander's life, examining posthumous editions of his envisioned "People of the 20th Century" and offering interpretations of notable works like "A Middle-Class Family, Cologne, 1923." The book features a fictional narrative about Sander's encounter with General Stieff and includes an extensive bibliography.