From 1948 - 1976 Ansel Adams produced seven portfolios, each a limited edition of 10-15 signed photographic prints. This book reproduces all 90 of these superb images, including many of Adams' most famous monumental landscape photographs and some remarkable, less familiar portraits and architecture studies. The book was first published in 1977 and in 1981 it was decided to take advantage of new printing technology to have the book re-designed. In this new printing the typography from the introductory texts of the original portfolios was reproduced. In addition, new laser-scanned separations were made of all the images to guarantee the best possible reproductions of the photographs.

In his eloquent introduction, John Szarkowski observes that 'of all Adams' publications, his portfolios most clearly represent his personal view of the meaning of his work.