Arthur C. Danto was a revered critic, philosopher, and author.Mark Holborn is a writer, editor, and book designer. He collaborated with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation on the original volumes of Mapplethorpe's work.Dimitri Levas is an art director who worked closely with Mapplethorpe for years, and with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation on numerous publications.Patti Smith is a writer, performer, and visual artist.Andrew Sullivan is an author, editor, and political commentator.

'A wide survey of the boundary-pushing artist's work, including his erotica, infamous floral images and portraits of his lifelong companion Patti Smith – who has written a poem for the book.' – Sunday Times STYLE'He was a rebel, an artist, a provocateur and a genius whose work transcends time.' – Royal Photographic Society (RPS)'If you are a fan of classic photography and want the ultimate collection this is a fantastic book ... it's a beautiful thing.' – Amateur Photographer'Arthur C. Danto explores Mapplethorpe’s unique vision in [a] brilliantly insightful essay.' –  Hedge Magazine