One of the first books I got that turned me on to Marilyn was Andre De Dienes' Marilyn Mon Amour, and as such, is the best book I've ever bought on her.

The photos are in black-and-white, which adds to the charm. de Dienes' work proves that the world didn't need colour photos to show that warm, blossoming, peach-like skin to its full effect. No, b-and-w was good enough to bring out that inner beauty.

This book more than any other convinced me that Norma Jeane was prettier than Marilyn. Oh yes, I was enthralled by the golden goddess who took the world by storm beginning in 1953, but it's that pretty brunette who charms me more. The shots at the beach, where she's wearing the sweater and playing with the volleyball, are my favorites. The shots of her in the Death Valley also exemplify her prettier self. And she does look sweet and girlish in pigtails, during her first photo shoot.

Of the blonde shots, it'd probably have to be the 1949 beach shots. Her hair was long then, and she looks like she's really enjoying herself. And of any later stuff, the shot of her eating breakfast.

The last few photos mirror the despair she felt towards the end of her life. The frightened little girl, surrounded by darkness, is clearly seen.

I've heard the saying that the camera is a mirror to the soul. In the case of this photo collection, I am in full concurrence. However, the camera needs an operator, someone to focus that mirror, and Andre de Dienes was the right person for that focus.