The book presents almost two hundred plates showcasing a half-century of Roy DeCarava's photography. Known for "The Sweet Flypaper of Life" and renowned jazz musician portraits, DeCarava’s work emphasizes private emotion and social conviction. His style evolved from tender Harlem images to bolder civil-rights and worker scenes, consistently capturing the essence of people. Published alongside a major exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art, this retrospective highlights the depth of DeCarava's artistry. It includes new essays by MoMA's Chief Curator Peter Galassi and art historian Sherry Turner DeCarava, exploring his career and artistic evolution, including his early work and photography gallery.