The book delves into the life and work of German photographer August Sander (1876-1964), set against Germany's turbulent history, including World War I, the Weimar Republic, the Nazi regime, and World War II. Sander's evolution from a conventional portraitist to an avant-garde photographer reflects the era's complexities. "In Focus: August Sander" showcases fifty standout images from the Getty Museum's collection, depicting rural figures and portraits like "Young Farmers," "Farm Girls," "Wife of the Cologne Painter Peter Abelen," "Parliamentarian," and "Blind Children, Düren." The book includes a chronological overview of Sander’s life.
