Ellen von Unwerth was a supermodel before the term was invented, so she knows a thing or two about photographing beautiful women. Now one of the world's most original and successful fashion photographers, she pays homage to the world's most delectable females in Fraulein. This celebration of our era's sexiest female icons includes Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss, Vanessa Paradis, Britney Spears, Eva Mendes, Lindsay Lohan, Dita von Teese, Adriana Lima, Carla Bruni, Eva Green, Christina Aguilera, Monica Bellucci and dozens more. Switching effortlessly between color and immaculate black and white, von Unwerth's photography revels in sexual intrigue, femininity, romance, fetishism, kitsch humor, decadence and sheer joie de vivre. Whether nude or in lingerie and a dazzling smile, her subjects are never objectified. Some flaunt personal fantasies; others are guarded, suggesting that we have stumbled into a secret world. Fashion and fantasy were never so enchantingly combined. About the series TASCHEN is 40! Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible publishing, helping bookworms around the world curate their own library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia at an unbeatable price. Today we celebrate 40 years of incredible books by staying true to our company credo. The 40 series presents new editions of some of the stars of our program-now more compact, friendly in price, and still realized with the same commitment to impeccable production.

Von Unwerth's newest work is a wild and sexy romp. Long known for her provocative work in the fashion world, here she is the director on the set, creating a sadomasochistic story, told solely in photographs, which delves into sexual obsession. Revenge begins with a trio of young women arriving at the Baroness's estate expecting a relaxing weekend. The Baroness, her chauffeur, and her stablehand soon have them involved in something quite different...

Ellen von Unwerth, one of the world's most original and intimate fashion photographers pays homage to the most delectable women walking the earth right now. "Fraulein" features over 1000 provocative photographs of icons such as Claudia Schiffer, Penelope Cruz, Natalie Portman, Kate Moss, Vanessa Paradis, Britney Spears, Eva Mendes, Lindsay Lohan, Dita von Teese, Adriana Lima, Carla Bruni, Eva Green and many many more. The images combine beautifully crafted scenarios, high production values with a joyful spontaneity. Von Unwerth's color and immaculate black and white photographs celebrate sex, femininity, romance and the sheer joy of living the moment. And if that moment features a riding crop, handcuffs, maybe a very flimsy negligee, or some black stockings and a brilliant smile -then so much the better. Sometimes the subjects willingly flaunt and delight in their intimate fantasies. Other times, it seems as if we are voyeurs who have stumbled into these very private and guarded moments. The images were shot over the last 15 years and many of them are unpublished. Sam Shahid, one of New York's top designers, who collaborated with von Unwerth on the book says "Fraulein" is 'like a very entertaining movie that hits you in all kinds of ways'. Like all great movies, it requires repeated viewing.