The book, originally published by J M Dent & Sons Ltd in 1985, is now out of print, and all rights have reverted to the author. The volume, comprising of 127 pages of fine art paper, contains the work of at least thirty major photographers. Fourteen of these are of world stature, including Robyn Beeche, Chris Bonington, Bruce Brown, Bob Carlos Clarke, John Claridge, Adrian Flowers, Leonard Freed, Brian Griffin, David Hockney, Joel Meyerowitz, Terry O'Neill, Irving Penn, W. Eugene Smith, John Swannell. Photographs by the author are also included. The volume contains exquisitely reproduced photographs, a total of sixty-eight images. 36 photographs are reproduced in Fine Colour. 32 photographs are reproduced in Black and White.

The book has received extensive coverage throughout the media, and it is now considered to be a classic work. Copies have been for sale through such diverse bodies as The London Science Museum as well as The Victoria and Albert Museum. Nikon Cameras in Zurich launched a major exhibition of the book in 1990. Hasselblad Cameras and Olympus Cameras provided major reviews. The Polaroid Corporation provided full support and excellent reviews and so did Kodak.

Special Effects In Photography by Robert Haas is currently available in very limited number from the author