Hold Still

Renowned American photographer Sally Mann crafts an extraordinary memoir that is as much a meditation on art and creativity as it is a deep exploration of family and heritage. Through lyrical prose and evocative imagery, Hold Still reveals the intimate and often turbulent stories behind Mann’s work, shaped by the landscapes and histories of the American South.

Digging into her family’s archives, Mann unearths a tapestry of secrets and stories—clandestine affairs, addiction, tragedy, and even murder—woven into the fabric of her lineage. These discoveries illuminate the themes of mortality, race, and identity that have long defined her artistry.

This memoir, first published in the UK as part of the Penguin Design Classics series, blurs the lines between personal history and creative expression. With the page-turning intrigue of a novel and the striking visuals of her renowned photographic style, Hold Still offers an unflinching look at the forces that shape an artist’s life and work.