Many books in many languages have been written about Steichen, starting with his brother-in-law, poet and biographer Carl Sandburg, who wrote Steichen the Photographer in 1929.
During World War II, Steichen compiled official photographs from the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. Published as Power in the Pacific in 1945, this book is out of print but may be available from online book sellers. Likewise, Steichen's photographic log and personal narrative while he was serving on the USS Lexington, published as The Blue Ghost in 1947, is also out of print but may be available at online sites such as biblio.com or alibris.com.
Since his death in 1973, numerous academic publications, books, and museum pamphlets have focused on Steichen's early photography, his commercial photography, and his fashion photography. A few rare museum pamphlets discuss his paintings.
The definitive biography of Steichen, which is considered a "bible" for researchers and historians needing clarification of important dates, places, and events is Penelope Niven's monumental Steichen: A Life published in 1997 by Clarkson Potter. A soft cover edition, published in 2004 by Eastern National Press is also available. This book is an excellent starting point for serious readers needing a wide overview.
Steichen's early photography is covered in Dennis Longwell's Steichen: The Master Prints 1895-1914 The Symbolist Period. Two other excellent books include Edward Steichen: Lives In Photography, and Edward Steichen: In High Fashion, both published by W. W. Norton in 2007 and 2009.
Steichen himself wrote an autobiography in 1963, called A Life in Photography.
Always available is the Family of Man.
