Dian Hanson - My Buddy - 2018

"My Buddy: World War II Laid Bare" by Dian Hanson is a striking and unconventional photographic book that explores male intimacy and camaraderie among soldiers during World War II. Compiled and edited by Hanson, a renowned historian of erotic art and photography, the book gathers hundreds of rare vintage photographs depicting nude and semi-nude men—most of them soldiers or sailors—taken between the 1930s and 1940s. Los Angeles photographer Michael Stokes has spent years searching out these photos and building an archive of over 500 images. Unlike typical wartime imagery focused on battle, heroism, or destruction, My Buddy presents an intimate, human, and often playful side of military life. These images were mostly taken informally, by the soldiers themselves, as personal keepsakes rather than for public display. They reveal a tender sense of friendship and trust that contrasts with the harshness of war, showing men bathing, sunbathing, posing, or simply being comfortable in each other’s presence. The book highlights the fluid boundaries between homosocial bonding and homoerotic expression, reminding readers that physical closeness and affection among men were once more freely expressed, especially in the all-male environments of war. Visually, the collection is both beautiful and provocative. The images, drawn from private archives, are rich in authenticity and emotion, offering a glimpse into a world where male bodies were seen not only as instruments of war but also as subjects of admiration and companionship. Ultimately, My Buddy: World War II Laid Bare is more than a book of nude photographs—it is a sensitive visual study of friendship, identity, and the complexity of male relationships under extraordinary circumstances.

The book My Buddy: World War II Laid Bare stands out for its refined physical quality and attention to detail. It is a large, hardcover edition with thick, glossy pages that enhance the depth and contrast of the vintage photographs. The cover features embossed lettering and a striking period image, combining simplicity with tactile elegance. Inside, the printing is sharp and carefully balanced, preserving the softness and authenticity of the original black-and-white tones. The binding is solid and durable, inviting repeated viewing. Overall, the materials and design lend the volume the feel of an art object, complementing the sensitivity and intimacy of its visual content.