Hillary: The Photographs of Diana Walker

The publication of this collection of photos couldn't be more timely, as supporters and enemies alike wait with bated breath for Hillary to make up her mind about running for president. Walker, a veteran Time magazine photographer, has spent over 20 years discreetly documenting Clinton's career as first lady, senator, and secretary of state, and with obvious affection and understated artistic skill, she portrays a Hillary Clinton of humor, charisma, and intelligence. Walker covers the expected public life of ball gowns, campaigning, and meetings with heads of state, but it's the shots of Clinton alone (holding her head at her desk; grabbing a piece of paper in her mouth as she packs up her office work for the day; sitting in a movie theater with popcorn at her side, sipping a drink) that compel us to revel at this complex, enigmatic politician. Walker reflects on the photos depicting a tender, affectionate exchange between Clinton and her husband Bill on a boat ride in Botswana in 1998: "Do I truly know whether this was spontaneous, or all for the camera%E2%80%94for Time's next issue? I couldn't possibly know." Yet no one will doubt the authenticity of Clinton's exuberant, contagious laughter depicted in a myriad of Walker's photos, and this book is a perfect campaign tool. (Nov.)