When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
LIFE — CLASSIC MOMENTS
Special EditionFall 1990
Commentary by John Loengard
Original LIFE special-edition publication featuring some of the extraordinary photographs that helped make LIFE magazine synonymous with American photojournalism.
This is not a regular weekly issue of LIFE.
It is the special Fall 1990 "Classic Moments" edition, devoted to memorable photographs capturing defining moments in American and world history.
ICONIC WWII V-J DAY COVER
The cover reproduces one of the most recognizable photographs of the 20th century — Alfred Eisenstaedt's famous image of a sailor kissing a woman in New York City's Times Square during the celebration of Japan's surrender in August 1945.
The photograph became one of the enduring visual symbols of the end of World War II.
Taken amid the enormous Times Square celebration on August 14, 1945, the image was published by LIFE and became inseparably associated with V-J Day and America's reaction to the end of nearly four years of wartime involvement.
JOHN LOENGARD
The special edition features commentary by John Loengard, an important figure in the history of LIFE photography.
Loengard spent decades associated with LIFE as both a photographer and picture editor and became particularly respected for his understanding of the photographers and images that defined the magazine.
His commentary gives this special edition additional significance for collectors interested in the history of photojournalism rather than simply vintage magazines.
LIFE AND THE HISTORY OF PHOTOJOURNALISM
For generations, LIFE photographers documented wars, presidents, entertainers, athletes, ordinary Americans and historic events as they unfolded.
Many of those photographs became more familiar than the written stories surrounding them.
"Classic Moments" celebrates that tradition by returning to memorable images from LIFE's photographic history and placing them in the context of the moments they preserved.
COLLECTOR INTEREST
This original 1990 special edition has particularly strong crossover appeal for collectors of:
• LIFE Magazine• World War II memorabilia• V-J Day history• WWII home-front material• Alfred Eisenstaedt photography• John Loengard• Historic photography• American photojournalism• Times Square history• Vintage magazines• 20th-century American history
The dramatic black-and-white V-J Day cover also makes this an excellent display piece for a WWII or historic-photography collection.
Unlike a modern reproduction of the famous image, this is an original LIFE publication produced by the magazine itself in 1990.
A visually striking vintage LIFE special edition centered on the photographs that captured some of the most memorable moments of the 20th century.
Offered by Echoes of WWII.
