March 2012
Smithsonian magazine delivers trusted and incisive reporting on history, science, nature, culture and travel.
Features
Shadow of the Titanic
On the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, a spellbinding new book focuses on the dark tales of the survivors—and our endless fascination with history's most glorious shipwreck
Optical Illusion
A New Explanation For The Disaster
They Missed the Boat
The notable people planning to sail on the Titanic included a world-famous novelist, a radio pioneer and America's biggest tycoons
One-Step Wonder
Edwin Land's camera perfected the art of instant gratification
The Unfortunate Traveler by Billy Collins
Smithsonian's poetry consultant writes a poem specially for the photography issue
Shooting Stars: William Coupon presents Delphine Diaw Diallo
Diallo's photos combine pop culture and African roots with an American vernacular
Shooting Stars: David Burnett presents Sirio Magnabosco
According to the acclaimed photojournalist, Magnabosco’s work reminds you why you liked photography in the first place
Shooting Stars: Donna Ferrato presents Tomeu Coll
The young photographer makes far-flung expeditions to capture life at the outer reaches of the world
Shooting Stars: Martin Parr presents Robin Maddock
Maddock’s views and snatches of life are both surreal and individual
Shooting Stars: Mary Ellen Mark presents José Antonio Martínez
At first just an amateur, Martinez devoted his life to mastering the art of photography
Shooting Stars: Joel Meyerowitz presents Jonathan Smith
The landscape work of Jonathan Smith embraces the art of photographic masters of the past
Shooting Stars: Sylvia Plachy presents Pilar Belmonte
Belmonte found her personal voice as a photographer during a time of family crisis
Shooting Stars: Bruce Weber presents Jeremy Everett
The famed fashion photographer shares one artist’s work with the world
Shooting Stars: Cindy Sherman presents Lisa K. Blatt
There is a simple majestic beauty to Blatt’s nature photography, says the heralded portraitist
Shooting Stars: Reza presents Farzana Wahidy
The 27-year-old photographer is telling the story of her native Afghanistan from the inside
Shooting Stars: Albert Watson presents Keith Coleman
Coleman’s photographs unveil the fruits that come from being obsessed with one’s work
Shooting Stars: Steve Winter presents Chris Linder
Linder’s science photography is a throwback to the age of expeditions and adventure
Departments
A Wilderness Of Errol
Filmmaker Errol Morris has become America's most surprising and provocative public intellectual
Hive Mind
The world's leading expert on bee behavior discovers the secrets of decision-making in a swarm
Perception
The renowned author of A Natural History of the Senses visits Florida's Morikami Japanese Gardens to examine the astonishing wealth of human perception
Say It Loud
Artist. Criminal. Cultural hero. Control Freak. A vivid new biography charts the dazzling contradictions in the life of the Godfather of Soul
Inside The Box
Viewing the wild fantasy worlds of video games as serious works of art