You’re so right – an excellent source for inspiration. Life’s published images and resources are arguably second to none and contain some of the best shots ever captured.
One of my favourite books is John Loengard’s “LIFE: Classic Photographs” published in 1988. It contains shots like Alfred Eisenstaedt’s chilling ‘snap’ of Joseph Goebbels, and another I wish shooters of those tacky ‘glamour’ pics would study, Marlene Dietrich by Milton Greene.