I’ve always been a reader so whenever I develop a new skill, passion or interest, I try to find the best books on the subject. Although I’ve read a lot of books about pinup, burlesque and biographies of iconic Hollywood figures, I still have people asking if I have books I’d recommend to those also wanting to read about pinup. So today, I have created a list of the top 8 books I’d recommend to help you understand all things pinup.

The Pinup: A Visual History by Charles River Editors:

• Offers a comprehensive overview of pinup art, from its origins to its evolution.
• Features stunning visuals showcasing various pinup styles and artists.

American Pin-Up: A Social History by Robert C. Reynolds:

• Explores the social and cultural context surrounding pinups, examining their role in wartime morale, advertising, and popular culture.

The Pin-Up Girls: A Celebration of American Icons by Charles River Editors:

• Profiles prominent pinup models like Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, and Veronica Lake, exploring their careers and impact.

Pin-Up Dreams: The Art of Esther Williams by Charles River Editors:

• Highlights the pinup legacy of Hollywood swimming star Esther Williams, known for her glamorous bathing suit photos.

Gil Elvgren: The All-American Pin-Up Girl by Taschen:

• Focuses on the work of one of the most iconic pinup artists, Gil Elvgren, analyzing his signature style and influence.

The Wartime Pin-Up: Homefront Heroines of World War II by Mark Law:

• Examines the specific role of pinups during World War II, boosting morale and representing idealized femininity.

The Art of Glamour: A History of Fashion Illustration by Mary Lisa Burns:

• Provides a broader understanding of fashion illustration, which heavily influenced the pinup aesthetic.

Pin-Up: The Art of Beauty, Fashion, and Culture by Taschen:

• Offers a visually rich exploration of pinup art, showcasing diverse styles and themes.

Bonus:

• Pin-Up: A Guide for Collectors by Mark Law:
  • For deeper enthusiasts, this book delves into collecting pinup art and memorabilia.

Of course you don’t have to read every single one of these book to become a good pinup. These books will provide you with a wide historical context of the pinup movement and an analysis of key artists, figures and icons and a breakdown of their unique styles. You will also gain an understanding of the social and cultural impact of pinup and an insight into the lives and careers of famous pinup models. Moreover and possibly most importantly, these books will help you gain a wide range of visual inspirations through stunning images in each book. Pinup is something that is forever changing; if reading books isn’t for you there are hundreds of blogs, social media accounts, documentaries, films and other visual media that can help provide you with a history and understanding of pinup.

I wish you all many joyous evenings of reading.

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. There are no affiliate links and I do not benefit from any link clicks or purchases made.