Sports Illustrated Knockouts: Five Decades of Swimsuit Photography celebrates the art of that uniquely American institution, the Sports Illustrated annual swimsuit issue.Beginning with the inaugural issue on January 24, 1964, which featured model Babette March in a modest four-page spread, Knockouts goes on to document the evolution of the swimsuit issue through five decades of models who, largely by virtue of their appearances here, became celebrities, including Elle Macpherson, Cheryl Tiegs, Tyra Banks, and Kathy Ireland.Besides assembling a selection of the best photographs in book form for the first time, Knockouts offers an ample selection of outtakes and other previously unpublished photos, various quotes from models, photographers, art directors, and commentaries on the logistics and technical aspects of the shoots and the exotic ports of call in which they were staged.

Customer Review: Magnificant girls, lousy binding

The women in this book are sexy and classy. It can't be easy to combine dignity and a bikini but they manage. The binding seems kind of weak.

Customer Review: Old School

There is a wonderful quote in this book from a journalist (and a female one at that) which says: "All the SI bathing suit models are muscular and lean and authentic. They don't mind working up a good sweat. They're proud of the bodies they've worked into shape. There is nothing powdery or gushy about them. In other words the women in the swimsuit issue are not the worse role models a young girl could have." And she's absolutely right. If I had abs like that I would show them off proudly too!!! Knowing a little bit about physical fitness...I know that it takes a lot of discipline and hard work to get your body to look that toned. The last thing in the world I would do is criticize them for this. I came to SI just by chance I saw the 1995 special on TV and was left majorly impressed at how the young women conducted themselves. They were definitely no ones "hoochies". Actually I was so impressed that when I saw several of them on the covers of various magazines etc.. I immediately remembered their names. And that is not something that happens with everyone. I never understood the hullabaloo people make about the SI swimsuit issues. I think that it is absolutely wonderful. My favorite period was when Jules Campbell was the editor. The woman definitely had an eye for (tasteful) beauty. It was pure old school: In that while the models were certainly appealing-it was always in a DIGNIFIED WAY-everything about these ladies said "respect me". These women carried themselves with the confidence of Queens. They exuded assurance and implied that they had the world on a string. The pictures in the book are absolutely exquisite and are worth every penny. Believe it or not in a world where actresses and film stars often look as if they work in the adult entertainment business. The SI swimsuit models are not the worst role models young girls can have. Thanks ladies for providing such an inspiration to me!

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