An Emergency in Slow Motion

In An Emergency in Slow Motion, William Todd Schultz explores the complex life of renowned photographer Diane Arbus, known for her revealing black-and-white portraits. Analyzing five central mysteries—her childhood, outcast affinity, sexuality, therapy, and suicide—Schultz offers fresh insights into the interplay between Arbus's personal struggles and her artistic expression. Drawing on newly released writings and interviews with her last therapist, this psychobiography presents a deep dive into Arbus's life, marking the first significant examination of her work in 25 years.