Reviews (4)

A must for wildlife fans & Galapagos visitors, past & future
A visually stunning, intellectually stimulating, and spiritually inspiring work.

galapagos in an amazing way
I usually don't write my opinion about photo books but this one left me in shock, i've never seen anything like it before,I buy alot of photo books and i already own more than a hundred photo books from the best and most famous photographers and there are plenty that i like and some that i love,but this one Oh this one is so very special to me because the first time i looked at the pictures of this book i had tears in my eyes of enthusiasm and this is something that never happened to me before and as i said i looked at many photographs in my life,the subjects and the way they were shot ,the way she played with the colors ,it seems so natural and yet very unique and special every one of the pictures of this book could be hung on my home walls as a poster . many of the photo books are big and expensive but this one is the real thing without being a monster with no place on the shelf. if i had to go with one book to a desert island there's no question this is the one.

The Best of the Galapagos and a Plea for Conservation
This book clearly deserves more than five stars. It contains much better photographs of the geology, and plant and animal life in the Galapagos than I have seen any where else. The images here evoked memories of my trip to the Galapagos, and exceeded those memories in revealing the underlying nature of the islands. Further, the essays are extremely good in explaining what is portrayed. Only 60,000 people visit the Galapagos each year, but the islands are suffering from their visits and the growth in permanent population. Hopefully, this book is not preserving something that you will never see.

Ms. De Roy brings a special sense to these photographs, having moved to the Galapagos at the age of 2 and lived most of her life there. She learned to be a photographer working on scenes such as these. This gives her a knowledge of where to go, what to look for, and when to be there. Many of the images capture rare moments and scenes that you could miss during 100 trips to the Galapagos.

Her images are always colorful, stunning in their contrasts, dynamic, and inspiring. I felt overwhelmed by many of the images. It was like looking into the face of God, to me.

The Galapagos Islands are part of Equador, and are located several hundred miles west of the South American coast. You get there by flying first to Equador. I recommend Quito as your way point. There's much to see there.

The islands are volcanic, being the tops of shield volcanos (much like those in Hawaii). They are desert islands which receive little water except during the rainy season. Each island is separated by enough water that species have developed differently on their unique habitats.

Darwin first chronicled this with his visit in the 1850s over 5 weeks in which he noticed that the finches had developed beaks to reflect the food supply on their respective islands. For more on this, be sure to read the outstanding book, The Beak of the Finch, that describes experimental measurements taken on the evolution in the finches. Many call the islands, "a natural laboratory of evolution" as a result.

The photographs are organized around themes related to the type of natural environment. In these images you will see the desert islands, volcanic eruptions, giant tortoises, sea turtles, marine and land iguanas, Darwin's finches, flamingos, pelicans, all kinds of boobies, penguins, cacti, owls, rails, flycatchers, albatrosses, gulls, frigate birds, storm petrels, sea lions, crabs, herons, hawks, flightless cormorants, fish, sharks, dolphins, orcas, sperm whales, and coral.

Many of the animals are extremely colorful, having no natural enemies in the Galapagos. Color helps in mating, and you will see mating rituals well catalogued here. Some of the evolutonary adaptations are fascinating too. For example, the marine iguanas live from drinking sea water and are able to exude the excess salt through their skin.

After you see these images, I suspect you'll agree with these quotes from the essays.

"Galapagos is perhaps the only great natural paradise remaining in the world in a near pristine condition."

"Our responsibility lies in finding a balanced development concept . . . ." "No one in Galapagos, in Equador or in the world wants to see the Galapagos perish."

"What must be . . . realized . . . is that a far greater commitment than exhibited in the past will be required . . . ."

Ask yourself what you can do to help the Galapagos. Reading this book, and realizing the treasure the world has there is a good starting point. Sponsoring environmental activities there is another. Encouraging others to do the same is a third. I'm sure you will come up with your own ideas that will be better than mine.

May our children in generations to come continue to benefit from a pristine Galapagos!

a spiritual connection with evolution
These photographs are "nature photography" at its best -- technically flawless, brilliantly composed and put together . And then, there is much more here. The grandeur of the planet, the dignity of its inhabitants, the imperative that all lineages be allowed -- by us, damnit -- to continue: all of this is eloquently, hauntingly, unavoidably inherent in Tui De Roi"s art. ... Read more

Book Description

The White Pacer paced east, against the moon, and against a breeze springing up. He seemed to glide rather than work his legs, he went so smoothly. He did not seem to be trying to get away, only to hold his distance. He moved like a white shadow, and the harder we rode, the more shadowy he looked. -- J. Frank Dobie

The horses had never been touched, fourth generation wild.... I had seen them, twice before the snow, catch a coyote out too far from cover, encircling the quick gray dog, and by sheer force of number, each angle vectored by a striking hoof, hack the little predator to a mess of trampled bone and pulp.

-- Mark Spragg

For thousands of years the hoss an' his long-eared cousins furnished all transportation on land for man an' broke all the ground for their farmin'.... I'm here to tell these machine-lovers that it will take a million years for the gas wagon to catch up with the hoss in what he's done for man. To-day some of these auto drivers want to kill him off to make fertilizer out of his body. Mebbe I'm sentimental, but I think it's a damned hard finish for one that has been as good a friend to man as the hoss. -- Charles M. Russell

Suddenly, the willows along the bottom erupted in rifle fire. The stallion humped up, leaped, screamed once, and died. I shouted at the mustangs to run, but only the mare and foal made it up over the narrow trail to safety.

-- Dayton O. Hyde

I had a four-strand silk manila lariat rope on her that she couldn't break ... I managed to get her wrapped around a tree and me to have the longest end of the rope and I got down and started to put a hackamore on her. She was choking pretty bad and had rolled her eyes around and was watching me real close. In the split half second that it takes to slip the nose-piece over a horse's head is when she snapped my right hand. I pulled as quick as I could and she tore the skin ... but I was jerking enough that she didn't bite a whole plug out of the back of my hand.

-- Ben K. Green

With a sudden pounding of hoofs, the three cowboys who had been waiting near the trap hurtled into view, yelling.... We were getting up from our hiding places when there were warning shouts. The helicopter was still out there, pushing. Finally a last small colt staggered into view, exhausted.... But as we spectators straggled down the slope to the trap, we could see that something was wrong.

-- Lynne Bama ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wild horses captured on film
Although the original essays and reprinted material in this book make fine reading, the real contributors are the 13 photographers whose images of mustangs on nearly every page will please anyone with an interest in horses and the landscape of the Western states. Some shots are of horses grazing or standing still, looking back at the photographer, ears up and altert, but most are of horses in motion, sometimes in tight telephoto closeup, sometimes against rolling hills or sage-covered flatland. There are many kinds of weather as well, foggy, stormy, snow, wind, spring sunshine, dusty summer, and horses of all colors and markings. A handful of shots include saddled horses with cowboys.

The book has also been very handsomely designed. Page layout, typography, end papers, variety of image placement and use of white space, balancing of images and text, all serve the subject wonderfully and please the eye. Nearly all the photographs selected are crisply cear, motion frozen with a high-speed shutter. The wide pages make possible many double-page spreads that look and feel panoramic.

Editor Mark Spragg has brought together the work of seven writers, including himself, and an Assiniboine tale to accompany the images. The writings are mostly contemporary, but a few hark back to earlier times, such as Charley Russell's cowboy theory about the origins of horseback riding and Ben Green's account of trying to capture a band of mustangs, while nearly losing his hand to an infected horse bite. Spragg's harrowing essay "Wintering" appeared later in his collection of essays, "Where Rivers Change Direction." There's also an informative essay by New York Times writer Verlyn Klinkenborg, who writes eloquently of the rural life and has visited wild-horse territory earlier in his book "Making Hay."

I highly recommend this beautiful book to lovers of horses, good writing, and the Western landscape.

The perfect embodiment of horse lore and behavior
This book reads like a group of short stories, of which they are all by different authors. The combination of their stories gives one the true feeling of the multitude of facets of the wild horses. It will make you realize they are carved out of the landscape, and an intrical part of nature. A creature of survival sometimes at the risk of their very own life. The stories are memorable and unforgettable. A definate must for the armchair western adventurer.

A wonderful book that captures the spirit of the wild horse.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the Mustangs. It shares stories and legends of wild horses and people's interactions with them. The stories range from heart warming to tearful. Each brings you a step closer to understanding the difference of the wild and domesticated horse. Throughout the book are beautiful pictures that capture the spirit of the mustangs. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

BEAUTIFUL
My uncle bought me this book when I was seven, almost sixteen years ago. I adored it as a child and I still completely enjoy looking through it now. It is singularly the best book I have ever seen about unicorns, and I have spent an extensive amount of time looking. The pictures are completely realistic and lavish. They carry you away into a world that you can only dream about. Not one page of this book is wasted--from the pictures to the details and data about unicorns in the back of the book. If you are intrigued by unicorns, this book is a must have; you will not regret buying this, or if you know someone who loves unicorns, you could not get them a better gift. It is a work of art from cover to cover.

Unicorns I Have Known
This is a book to be kept as a ''treasure'' amongst all books in anyone library. It's a fascinating book non only for ''horse lover'' (Robert Vavra is very well known by horse enthusiast worldwide) this is a book that can fascinate anyone in love with BEAUTY, ART, and POETRY. All photos are surrounded by a magical athmosphere and they are enriched and completed by beautiful literary quotations. You start dreaming from the first page of the book till the very last one and when you are at the end of your reading, believe me! You will start to BELIEVE that UNICORN DOES REALLY EXIST!

Reality of the Unicorn
This gorgeous book is one of the finest unicorn books I own. It has great pictures and lots of unicorn details and a unicorn searching guide. It is worth buying if you like unicorns or photography. It is worth getting Unicorn of Kilimanjaro or the Calendar if you can find them as well. It is on my list of favorite all time books, and i see a lot of them as i work at a bookstore. By this if you or someone you love likes unicorns and give the gift of magic.

Beautiful, enchanting, full of dreams
I first encountered this book when I was very young. I asked my local library to buy it and they did; and I kept checking it out again and again. Owning this book now is like looking back into my own childhood, at the dreams and the wonder I had for the world. It's beautiful pictures and startling art has never faded for me over time.

Unicorns....As they should be.......................
This book by Robert Vavra portrays the unicorns as how they are. Peaceful, intimate, distant, yet very close. The only difference between the images in this book and the rat race that life is somehow pushed into, is the lucid dream state of mind that is turned on when reading this book. It will bring you there. A very thorough, and colorful view into the unicorns themselves. The question might be raised whether they are real or not,...........but after viewing the pictures, your mind will wander to a place of mossy lichens, willow trees, and cushion plants, and georgous animals that mystify.,.. A very good book that everyone from children to the elderly will adore. It has one particular image that caught my eye more than the others; It was the picture at sunset with the whole group of unicorns on the beach,...........simply breathtaking.......This book will enlighten all who view it. Peace,.........Onepath ... Read more

Book Description

Stunning images from the world's most acclaimed wildlife photographers have been brought together for the first time in this elegant collection of photo- graphs, now available in paperback.

The World?s Top Photographers Wildlife is packed with beautiful pictures of animals. The work of Frans Lanting, Art Wolfe, Jim Bandenburg, Heather Angel, and Stephen Dalton is renowned, gracing the pages of magazines such as National Geographic and Geo, and the walls of galleries across the world.

In The World's Top Photographers Wildlife, they and other top photographers tell the stories behind some of their favorite images in their own words. With anecdotes, tips, and technical details, this book gives a fascinating insight into the creative processes behind the amazing photographs. There is also a brief biography of each photographer, which includes a bibliography of his or her published work.

The book features beautiful images of birds, mammals, fish, insects, and reptiles from all over the world. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not a Complete Meal
This is a collection of the work of 40 of the world's most famous wildlife photographers. Names like Iwago, Lanting, Mangelsen, Morris and Wolfe will be quite familiar to people interested in this genre.

Each artist gets four pages for some biographical data and several pictures. Every one of the photos is world class.

While the biographies are generally too short to provide much insight into the individual artists, one can discern a couple of trends in their lives. A good many started life in some other career and after a while decided to make the risky jump to professional wildlife photography. Others were interested in nature all of their life and the photography grew out of this love. No one started life as a commercial or fashion photographer and then made the switch to wildlife. Occasionally a photographer will offer a surprising statement about the commercial nature of wildlife photography, like the photographer who notes that the books he has published don't make financial sense, but do help to drum up other business.

As I've perused a number of wildlife photography books over the years, I've noticed that a good book is like a good piece of music. As you proceed through it, you notice both the repetition and the variation of elements so that by the end of the book you have not just looked at pictures, but also come to understand something about the photographer and the way he relates to the animals he photographs. This book is more like a CD my son owns, called "50 Great Classical Hits" (or something like that). The CD plays just the most dramatic points from a number of symphonies. While that can be interesting, it certainly doesn't provide the same experience as listening to a single full symphony.

This book has the same effect. Many of the pictures are obviously well composed and striking but when one turns the page the picture one just looked at disappears from the mind as the reader tries to come to grips with a completely different subject and style. Ultimately I found this beautiful book unsatisfying.

But, it does serve the very useful purpose of introducing you to wildlife photographers you may not have yet encountered. I, for one, will be keeping my eyes open for the work of Chris Packham and Konrad Wothe. Reading it may also lead you to look for the work of unfamiliar artists.

Grand images
The images are brilliantly printed with stunning details. I even liked the format whereby the equipment used were listed together with the image.

Excellent book for inspiration.

a brillant book!
This is my favorite book of the year. The photos are really beautiful! I gave this as a Christmas gift to several of my friends who are into photography. In addition to the fabulous photos there is useful practical information for up and coming photographers. ... Read more

Book Description

Preeminent photographer Norbert Wu travels to the ends of the earth to showcase an array of dive spots including reefs, wrecks, caves, and drifts. Here are schooling hammerheads and spawning corals, curious sea creatures and dense kelp forests, captured in breathtaking full color photographs. Ken McAlpine’s commentary outlines each locale's geography and choice dive sites, the best seasons to explore specific areas, and ideal times and places to see favorite species and extraordinary behaviors. Also included are topside tips for the nondiver and current preservation issues related to the sea and its inhabitants. Beautifully packaged and produced, this impressive coffee-table book of 350 color photographs and maps appeals to diving enthusiasts, naturalists, conservationists, boaters, and anyone captivated by the sea. ... Read more

Book Description

From fundamental principles of photographing marine life to making a living selling underwater photographs, Successful Underwater Photography provides an unlimited wealth of practical advice, surefire strategies, and tested tips for taking extraordinary photos of elusive underwater subjects.Written by two top photographers who specialize in marine photography, this solid, lavishly illustrated field guide provides no-nonsense information on such topics as taking available-light photographs, silhouettes, marine wildlife portraits, close-focus wide angle photographs, and extension tube photographs to name just a few. Readers will also find proven guidance for purchasing underwater photographic equipment, taking photos of shipwrecks, and repairing and maintaining field equipment. Plus, 150 stunning, full-color photos demonstrate the authors’ successful techniques in action. For all aspiring underwater photographers who want to unlock the secrets of how top names in the field achieve spectacular results, Successful Underwater Photography is your definitive one-stop guide. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Impressive and informative
Howard Hall has done it again. For more great undersea video check out - The Living Sea - if you're a little younger, check out Captain Jon Explores the Ocean. ... Read more

Book Description

The latest portfolio from the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of Year competition, featuring the top 100 color photographs. ... Read more

Book Description

Jacques Cousteau explored the oceans' deepest fathoms. The crew of the space shuttle punched through the Earth's atmosphere and into a space of infinite dimensions. Possessed with the same spirit, France Bourély takes readers on a breathtaking visual odyssey far beyond the reaches of the naked eye with her scanning electron microscope. She travels lunar landscapes on the back of an ant, explores secret valleys in orchid petals, scales the pistils of a daisy, crosses mountains made of pollen, discovers crevices on the back of a caterpillar, and takes shelter under a bush of bristles.

France Bourély can be described as a philosopher, a scientist, an artist, and a navigator all at once. This amazing book opens the door to a hidden paradise, revealing the visual virtuosity and the startling beauty of the microscopic dimension that surrounds us all. By transporting us to the lands of the unseen, Bourély seeks to awaken our senses and transform the way we perceive our infinitely complex and always harmonious universe. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Stunning + Inspiring
Talking a tour through this book is every bit as exciting as exploring new realms. Ms. Bourley had carefully considered her career options and among them were astronaut. Then her focus (literally!) took an unexpected turn. She discovered the depths in the ordinary that surround us. Her travels far, far into inner worlds are amazing and truly uplifting. To see the symmetry and beauty of such teensy tiny wholly seperate beings and things is to speak to the wondrous possibilities of the simple (and even inspirational) joys in seeing not totally unfamiliar patterning on such a miniscule scale. I come away thinking "everything is significant.". The calm in that is worth the price of admission. Along the same lines is a movie entitled "Microcosms". I suggest you look for it. You'll like that, too.

Stunning, Visionary Book!
As a physicist (by profession), and amateur photographer (in my free time) I must say that I have *never* encountered a finer example of a synergy of art and science (not to mention philosophy) displayed than what awaits the lucky reader who purchases this extraordinary book. Some of the images, on a purely aesthetic level, rank (in my humble opinion) with some of the great abstract photographs that have **ever** been taken! Indeed, I am tempted to equate what Dr. Bourely has accomplished here to what Ansel Adams accomplished for the American West with his magnificent large format photography. What Adams represents for the macroscopic world, Dr. Bourely represents for the microscopic one. She is *that* good...as a guide, as a scientist, as photographer, and as a visionary.

Quite simply this is one of the most beautiful books I've ever had the pleasure of owning and I shall treasure it for a long, long time to come. If you love photography, or science, or abstraction, or philosophy, or ever simply marvel at the ineffable mystery we call the universe, you owe it to yourself to get this book. It is destined to be a classic. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A fantastic book for all digital photographers
'Digital Nature Photography' by Jon Cox is quite simply the best book I have ever read on digital photography of any kind.

It is a must read for anyone who is moving to digital photography either as a hobby or on a professional level. What makes this book so good is that Jon has obviously made the transition from film to digital himself, and writes knowingly about issues anyone will encounter when approaching digital photography. These include such topics as digital media, batteries, tripods, and what quality of jpeg images to use.

Not only does Jon address subject's exclusive to digital photography but the body of the book is a primer on photographic techniques in general. These topics are illustrated with magnificent pictures from Jon's portfolio and will act as an inspiration to photographers at any level. Subject such as how to shoot in snow, how to shoot during sunrise and sunset, and photography after dark are explained in a simple concise style that provide a rode map to success for anyone willing to try his techniques. He even has closed his book with an "assignment sheet" of ideas a budding photographer can work on to master the techniques included in the book.

Weather you are a budding enthusiast or a serious photographer looking for a refresher and some new ideas, I cannot recommend this book more highly.

Artistic
A friend recommended this book to me and I would like to pass on the same recommendation. In a new digital world Cox has not forgotten the importance of creating a strong image. I love that this book offers artistic advice AND gives helpful hints about how to use the digital camera and computer as tools for creating the final image. It seems as though he isn't caught up in digital for the sake of digital. Lately I've seen work from photographers that digitally "enhance" their pictures with tricky photoshop filters, but dismiss the initial content of the piece. It's like the difference between a quality psychological thriller and a movie that relies solely on special effects. Cox stays true to his subject, by making his images as close to what the eye sees and what the mind remembers. His photography is strong for photography's sake and the digital camera just happens to be his tool. He points out all of the benefits a digital camera has to offer, while at the same time offering his advice about constructing an interesting image. I would also like to point out the use of variety in his imagery. It ranges from incredible scenes in Africa, to untouchable icy images in Antartica, but then comes right into your backyard. His backyard shots were just as dynamic as his far away places, which gave me hope for my own photography. It's really kind of funny, actually, that his book is about nature, but taken with digital tools and you would never know it. If you are just starting out with a digital camera or know someone else who is buy them this book!

Straight to the Point
I just wanted to pass along my appreciation for the book, "Digital Nature Photography". I've recently upgraded to a Canon G5 after discovering I had a decent eye while using an old Canon A20. As I made this jump I wanted to understand how to take better nature and landscape photographs, my favorite subjects, and this book came highly recommended by a friend. It cuts straight to the important information and reads very easily. I've gained a lot as a result of reading it.

Also, beneath each photo example the author explains what he was trying to accomplish and how he went about it; not all books do this. This is very helpful. He organizes the book very well. Not only does this make for an easy read, but also works as a great reference guide.

Bottom line: if you enjoy taking digital nature photography and want to get better, pickup this book.

Excellent for switching to digital
This is a great reference for easing your way into digital nature photography. I have been shooting nature on 35mm film for about 20 years and I finally bought a digital SLR camera. Cox explains the new digital terminology so everyone can easily understand it. He gives information about the various camera settings, file formats, white balance and some helpful Photoshop techniques. It was also a good refresher on how depth of field, ISO settings and shutter speeds work to construct a photograph. You can also learn a lot from just looking at his images. He shows different lighting, close-up, landscape and portrait techniques and explains what he did to capture the photograph. If you are new to photography or making the switch to digital this is an excellent book!

Great Reference
I writing again to reiterate how helpful this book as been to me. I've read it once the whole way through and now refer to it all the time as a tool for while I'm shooting. I'm not actually a photographer, but instead use photography as a tool for my painting career. I made the switch to digital a few years ago, to help save time. This book as helped not only to teach me about the use of digital photography, but has given me the added bonus of helpful hints about photography in general from an artistic perspective. In the past my images were over and under exposed, but now I am able to capture the detail I need for painting reference. In addition, Cox has provided helpful hints about photoshop tools, which help to enhance any lack of detail I may have in my initial photograph. Also, his captions with each photograph are extremely useful in understanding how he captured each shot. Thanks, Jon Cox, for writing this book! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Physical perfection here captured by a stunning artist.
Something about these photos nourishes my soul. I am not a photographer, don't even own a Brownie camera, simply noticed the book at a check-out counter in a bookstore. The cover alone is worth 100 times the price........ a perfect nude dangling from an enormous tree limb that hangs out over the ocean. Cindy Crawford? Maybe. It's lyrical, stunning, art of the finest sort. . Patrick Demarchelier makes an incredibly profound statement with each photo. Buy it simply to soothe your soul........over and over and over and over again

A masterpiece from a prominent fashion photographer
With this wonderful depiction of form and expression, Demarchelier shows his mastery of presenting the face, the body, and the mood through an incredible feel for lighting and contrast. His adeptness at capturing the nude female form brings out incredible beauty without the slightest hint of pornography.

What you get: 82 black-and-white photographic plates, most of which are formatted to fill the entire page. With a few exceptions, all were taken from the late-80s to the mid-90s, and about half were taken from fashion magazines or designer ads. Most are of people, the majority of whom are recognizable (to me) celebrities. About one-forth feature the nude or semi-nude female body. For good measure, a couple pictues featuring members of the Demarchelier family are also included. All photographs are presented "stand-alone," with no notes or credits; however, this information is clearly referenced at the back of the book.

What you see: a straightforwardness of subject matter. Where other photographers might dazzle by snaring a moment in time from an event (e.g., Robert Doisneau), Demarchelier presents his subjects with no mystery as to what the viewer is to behold: the intricacies of the baobab branches in contrast to its massive trunk; the variations in lighting between two figures, one illuminated, one silhouetted, seated in front of a window; or the calm, confident gaze of Christy Turlington wearing only a tangle of wet hair, and a sheet around her hips. The side-by-side photos of Helena Christensen are perhaps the best of her ever, as may be the one of Turlington. Not to forget the face: the shots of Versace, César, Corbassière and Nastassja Kinski are absolute gems. I'm having a hard time puting this book down, and I'd love to know who that is hanging from the tree on the front cover.

The Wonderful Art of Patrick Demarchelier
Patrick Demarchelier is one of the best artist of this age; his Photographs are pieces of history. Into this book you'll find his masterpieces: emotions in B&W!

Extremely Good Photography
A must own book for people that love b&w photography. Patrick is excellent at getting the perfect angle for the image. The way the natural light and shadows enhance the objects is great. The true persons are drawn by the way the pictures are taken.

Beautiful Display of photography
My 12 year old saw this book on one of the display tables, picked it up... for the cover (naked lady) and glanced through it. He then later came running up to me saying... Please buy this book. The pictures are excellent. Well now, my son is interested in photography as a hobby. ... Read more

Book Description

This book combines breathtaking aerial photographs and exquisite map-drawings of the American landscape with thoughtful essays that explore how various cultures have forged the landscapes in different regions of the country and what the possibilities are for future landscape design. The authors demonstrate that landscape representation is more than descriptive-it can also instruct and construct how people perceive, shape, and transform the land. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Must Have!
This book is incredible, the essays, photography, map drawings and descriptions really changed the way I looked at the world around me. This book was used as our text book for a Senior Project class in design school.

You've never seen anything like this
This book will change the way you look at and think about landscape. Technically, it's a landscape architecture book, and the essays that deal with that subject are excellent. James Corner is one of the best landscape architects/theorists around, and his writing is though-provoking, lucid and enjoyable to read. He draws an wonderful comparison between this work and Le Corbusier's sightseeing flights over North Africa in the 1930's. But without a doubt, the reason to buy this book are the photographs that document the unexpected beauty that arises out of the interaction between man and nature. The incongruities of landscape, juxtaposed against the linear certainty of the Land Ordinance Act grid, farm plots and other common interventions make for stunning photography.

There are also little subplots, such as creative reuses of already built spaces (tennis courts as parking lots & football field yard lines over a baseball diamond), and the similarity of totally unrelated natural forms (who knew that from 7,000 feet, cracked pond ice looks like microscopic images of streptococcal bacteria?).

There are dozens of other little thoughts I could include, and one of most remarkable things about this book is that the photogrpahs allow the reader to draw on his or her own knowledge to make connections and interpertations. There's no right or wrong way to see these things, which makes it universally rewarding and enjoyable.

Excellent graphic representation of landscape documentation
I always enjoy graphic design, but this one integrates intelligent visual graphic representation and it portraits site/landscape analysis.
Not your usual blueprint survey, but delightful new way of documentation.

Excellent for all
Perceptive and conciousness raising while an aesthetic visual pleasure. An unforgettable book.

Wonderful. Combines geography, mathematics, aesthetics
This is one of the nicest Christmas gifts I ever received. Two guys flew across the United States at low level taking wonderful photographs, many of which are worth framing as art. A geographer's reflection and insights on the frames draw attention to the cultural impact on the landscape of U.S. history, its varied immigrants, the rectangular land survey, and of the Western mathematics embedded in their choices.

No math teacher looking for an exciting resource that supports cross-disciplinary work would find this book except by accident. Nor would those who fly in small planes and want high quality, thoughtful, intellectual books that go beyond coffee-table glamour and reflect in a serious way about the earth beneath. Nor would somebody interested in cultural geography. This is because the cataloging-in-publication information is generic and unimaginative. ... Read more

Book Description

Now in paperback!Examines the lives and behaviors of the highly intelligent members of the crow family, corvids, and includes 61 dramatic images from the world's top nature photographers. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Good idea, flawed execution
Ravens, Crows, Jays, Nutcrackers, and - of course - magpies (corvids to you!) are among the most intelligent of living creatures. Ravens are probably the smartest of the group and, at least in terms of ability to evaluate the meaning of a new situation, may even be comparable to apes and dolphins. This book offers a very basic generalist's look at these birds and their intelligence. Its virtues are a nice layout, clearly-written, though superficial, text and some beautiful photographs. If you don't expect too much substance, it is a passable introduction to the subject. On the other hand, there are annoying flaws. Some of the photographs (the ones at the heads of chapters) are neither credited nor captioned). There's a two page spread describing "typical members of the crow family" that gives thumbnail descriptions of 15 corvids, but the descriptions are maddeningly inconsistent. The American Crow is "almost twice the size of an American Robin", but the Common Raven is "as big as a large hawk" and the Rook is "two-thirds the size of a raven". Quick, which is bigger, a Rook or an American Crow? And is that Raven that the Rook is two-thirds the size of an Eastern Raven, a Western Raven, a European Raven, or a Raven Maniac from trying to figure this chart out? Obviously author and editor could have used some help from corvids in figuring out how to make this a more user-friendly book. The index promises more than it delivers. What's eating these creatures anyhow? Well, if you look up predators in the index, you'll be led to (among other things) a photograph of a splatter of raven parts and a caption saying that a goshawk ate the raven. This is about as detailed as it gets. Do goshawks usually eat ravens (they're about the same size)? How about vice-versa (Bernd Heinrich has an account of how he once foolishly put a harrier [marsh hawk] and a raven in the same cage overnight and found nothing left of the hawk the next morning except a feather or two)? Where do the various corvids fit in the food chains in their ecosystems? It wouldn't have taken much space to address the issue. There was certainly space for it, even if some of the more vapid musing had to give way. Or maybe I'm expecting too much and this is really nothing more than a coffee table book with some text to soothe the conscience and all of its intelligence in the fourth word of the title... If you want a sense of the real wonders of corvid intelligence, find one of the Bernd Heinrich raven books and you will marvel at what you read. As for this one, it's disappointingly shallow. I found it, except for the photographs and the odd gem of insight that I could, magpie-like, pluck out and carry with me, a waste of time and money.

Bird Brains: The Intelligence of Crows, Ravens, Magpies Jays
Absolutely fascinating with both pictures and text. Leaves you wanting more. Shows concrete proof that corvids (especially ravens)are possibly one of the top three most intelligent species on the planet. Even if you can't possibly bring it in yourself to believe that, it's still a great book to read and use as a reference, especially if you are interested in drawing birds. The glimpses of the signifigance of corvids in religions, folklore and literature are eye-opening, but they are glimpses and not really fleshed out. It's a small quibble--this is one of the most beautiful AND thought-provoking books I own

Lively writing, spectacular pictures
Savage's entertaining book explores the behaviors of the most intelligent of birds: the crows, ravens, magpies and jays. Beautifully illustrated with 61 color photographs, this large-format volume uses the latest scientific and anecdotal evidence to show how these birds, slaves to instinct in such things as nest-building, will, nevertheless, use their powers of learning and observation to improvise repairs.

She explores the social and family lives of jays who apprentice younger birds in rearing new families, ravens showing off flying expertise in courtship games, crows evaluating food. While perfectly willing to speculate about the mental processes behind bird decisions, Savage is always careful to separate fancy from scientific fact. The writing is clear and entertaining and the pictures are spectacular.

Depends on what you are looking for
This book has some interesting anecdotes on Crows, Ravens & Jays, and it does also describe much of the day to day life of these birds. The book is more than 50% full page photographs, and the photography is excellent. There are a few Brandenburg photos that have the Brandenburg touch, an animal filmed intimately close. But if you are trying to do reseach on animal intelligence, this book is too shallow for that. It glosses over some reseach and incidents that I've read about more thouroughly in other sources. I wanted to say but but there's more... or yes but that has only been observed in two locations. If you are looking for photography and some general knowledge on corvids, this is the book. If you are researching animal intelligence, try George Page for a solid introduction. I think the title is Animal Minds. And if you already know quite a bit about this subject, you know where to look better than I do.

Bird Brains
This is not the book to buy if you want to do any kind of research on corvids. It doesn't go into depth on any one of the family of corvidae. I had thought (mistakenly) that a book published by the venerated Sierra Club would have had more substance to it. The pictures are nice, though. ... Read more

Book Description

Dog lovers and photographers alike will love this manual on how to take great shots of man’s best friend. Plenty of color images add extra appeal to the advice on equipment (including such things as squeakers and whistles, which get a pup’s attention); dog behavior; and handling puppies during a shoot. All the tricks of the trade are here, helping the amateur learn the all-important skill of “seeing” a good picture even as it’s happening. Almost any situation where Fido can be found is covered, with techniques for capturing it: dogs at work, resting, and at play. From photographing silhouettes to digital processes, every suggestion is easy to follow and fun to try.
... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Poor photographical material
"Don't judge the book by the cover". No, that would be a serious mistake since the cover photo is as crisp and clear as you could ever wish for. The same doesn't apply to the photos inside alas. A third of them are almost good, a third are of poor quality and the rest are disasterous. Hazy, unclear, no focus. Many taken in strong sunlight with pitch-black shadows and colors like fifties postcards from East Germany. And a book like this, with rather a small amount of text and a great deal of pictures, you buy for the pictures. Not a good idea.
The choice of gardens are (mainly) not the most celebrated and featured classical gardens, but lesser known ones and from all centuries. This is a good idea that makes this book a complement to such like Edith Whartons Italian Gardens, which I rate very highly. ... Read more

Book Description

These extraordinary photographs by two brothers, Anup and Manoj Shah, take the reader on a spectacular journey into the heart of the African savannah, concentrating on the Serengeti-Maasai Mara and Ngorongoro Crater regions in Kenya and Tanzania. The Shah brothers' breathtaking images chronicle life and death in one of the most fascinating and complex eco-systems in the world, a place left largely untouched by man. Here lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, hyenas, baboons, wildebeests, and thousands of other species give birth, play, hunt, feed, groom, sleep, mate, migrate, and die in the dramatic scenes played out on these pages.

Anup Shah's text complements the images, starting with the most basic elements necessary for life on the savannah and gradually building up to the intricate, dynamic interactions between the plants and animals in the food chain and their environment. Every aspect of daily life is touched on: evolution and natural selection, sex and mating rituals, birth and motherhood, staying alive and getting along, predators and prey, herds and social groups. In the final chapters the reader discovers that in death all living things return to the soil, where it all began, thus completing the circle of life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful & Massive Documentation of Life on the Savannah.
Anup and Manoj Shah have distinguished themselves in the populous field of wildlife photography by producing expressive and beautiful portraits of wild animals that document the individuals' lives while achieving impressive aesthetic grace. Many of the brothers' photographs are simply unforgettable works of art that I never tire of looking at. "The Circle of Life" is a massive book that contains 235 photographs of wildlife on the African Savannah. About 40 species of mammal are represented, as well as some birds and reptiles. In the most comprehensive photographic essay of wildlife that I have ever seen, the Shah brothers document the lives of the many animals who live and die in this vast African ecosystem that spans much of Kenya and Tanzania. The authors have organized this photographic odyssey by dividing the book into 20 chapters, each showcasing one aspect of life on the Savannah. The early chapters show us the basic elements that create and sustain life. Some example chapters are: "Driven by Wet and Dry", "Light and Energy", and "Shaped by Fire and Elephants". The book then moves on to the subjects of birth and growing up on the Savannah. "Natural Selection", "Adaptation and Diversity", "Peaceful Coexistence", and "Mother and Offspring", for example. Then we see the lives of adult animals. Some examples are: "Herds and Social Groups", "Grazers and Browsers", and "The Hunters". And finally these animals die, returning to the earth, and the "circle of life" begins again: "Scavengers and Decomposers", "Land and Life". Each chapter begins with an essay written by Anup Shah that explains what that particular facet of life on the Savannah entails and how it fits into the greater life cycle.

The photographs in "The Circle of Life" are mostly one-to-a-page, but there are also 2-page spreads and pages containing two photographs. The reproduction quality is good. All photographs have detailed captions. An index in the back of the book allows the reader to locate text and photographs by species or topic. The index is most helpful considering the size of this volume. If you're familiar with the work of Anup and Manoj Shah through "Nature's Best" magazine, most, but not all, of their "Nature's Best" photographs are included in this book. "The Circle of Life" is a record of wildlife on the African Savannah that is impressive in its size, scope, and beauty. Only photographers who spend an extraordinary amount of time in this environment could have captured so much of the lives of so many species. It's a pleasure to see the results of Anup and Manoj Shah's experience and persistence in one volume. "The Circle of Life" is a fantastic coffee table book for nature photography fans, as well as a great visual resource for anyone studying this ecosystem. ... Read more

Book Description

With the words of the great English poet in mind, contemporary photographer Barbara Bordnick has embarked on her own intimate reading of Nature, one that reveals the world of flowers to possess an abundance of secrets in the form of shapes, textures, and colors of deep and mesmerizing allure.Once smitten, Bordnick confesses, "I became enveloped and absorbed by the indescribable color, the surprising twists, the curls, and the artful reaches of their bodies - their secret landscape." Indeed we see that close up, a flower, or even just a detail of one, has an almost mystical power to consume one's attention and imagination. As small and as contained as they are, their unique combinations of textures, patterns, and colors reflect a vast, inviting universe - one filled with moments of intimate encounter, where something eternal feels glimpsed. Searchings is one photographer's personal journey to record these moments. With each of her images, Bordnick quietly underscores the unlimited nature and form of flowers, while celebrating their unique and exquisite beauty. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Unbelievable Beauty
This book by Barbara Bordnick is the most extraordinary work of photography I, as well as the other members of my family, have ever seen. The pictures absolutely defy description. It is truly remarkable artwork by an obviously remarkable photographer. This is a "must" gift for any friend or family member.

Breathtaking
This book defies description...one must buy it to truly understand what flowers can mean in all of their various contexts. I've given the book to my family and friends and received very similiar responses....WOW. Even a 5 year old little girl named Sofia wants to buy one to give to her teacher as a gift at the end of the school year. She thinks it is the most beautiful book she has ever seen in "her whole life". You must have this book on your coffee table!

Magnificent Beauty
I purchased Barbara Bordnick's book as a gift for a family member. The book is absolutely breathtaking in its beauty and presentation of flowers in photographs. It is hard to believe you are looking at photographs and not paintings. I strongly recommend this book particularly as a gift for a family member or loved one. The price for a book of this quality is quite attractive. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When David Doubilet was a child, he photographed swimmers in the waters off of New Jersey. Water Light Time is a collection of images that capture the underwater magnificence that seized the photographer's imagination in childhood and spurred a lifelong fascination. Underwater plant life floating like snakes, bright blue water filled with schools of silver fish, a diver immersed in a throng of bubbling yellow jellyfish, a close-up of pink and white sea anemones looking all the world like a floating bouquet of flowers--each image in this book is exquisitely photographed with preternaturally clear colors, full of detail and depth. Some images toy with perspective, creating surreal tableaux as a crustacean leg pokes out of the yellow-green water to appear almost as large as a nearby tree.

With a career that started as a National Geographic photographer in 1972, Doubilet has a lifetime of experience from which to make such a marvelous meditation on this otherworld that is vaguely familiar to most readers only through pictures and visits to aquariums. Doubilet captures what must surely be his own awe at the uniqueness of being a human in this nonhuman environment, and the reader can marvel at both the lushness of life in the water and at the beauty of the photographs themselves, which dominate almost all of the book's 240 pages. --Jennifer Cohen ... Read more

Reviews (18)

The most impressive ocean imagery book I`ve ever seen
This book is really IMPRESSIVE.
It is an oversized,full color photo book about the ocean realm.
David Doubilet revolutionized UW photography in 1989 with "Light in the Sea",which was a remarkable book. This is like a sequel book,released ten years later,which is even more remarkable.
Because it is so huge,it is usually too broad for most book cases. Therefore,I have it laying in my bookcase,instead of standing.
The book is introduced with a story of Doubilet`s life and how he came in contact with the underwater world.
Every picture is worth a thousand words,but I have got some favorites among them.
One is a picture of a tuna skeleton,which is very unusual - a tuna that has met a natural death,not captured by man. The stingray pictures (one of them the cover pic),are also very remarkable,and truly portrays the grace and beauty of these magnificent but dangerous animals.
The black and white photos of Sea lions and Mantas are also spectacular,and in b/w,they become even more artistic.
The enormous schools of Jellyfish are also rather impressive. There are many good pictures of sharks in this book,especially white-tipped reef sharks and an incredible picture which truly portrays how fearsome a 20-foot great white really is,when throwing it`s jaws against the cage.
There are also some ultraviolet photos of corals,which are quite spectacular too. And so are the scorpionfish pictures,especially of the Rhinopias,which is the most well-camouflaged fish in the world.
And there are so many more,which would take an entire book to mention. As my review cannot be that long,you`ll have to buy the book for yourself and find out what the other images are.
The book perfectly captures the beauty,mystery,danger,and wonder of our oceans,with a varied library of images. It is quite inspiring,and my stories "The Magic Shell",which are about marine animals,will partly be based on the look of these habitats and animals. It really makes your fantasies lift off. Just open the book and look at the intro picture of a sardine school beneath the waves. It will blow you away!

Doubilet -- The Underwater Picasso
After flipping through the book once, I was stunned at Doubilet's ability to capture the art that abounds under the sea. I've seen many of the images in National Geographic, but I've never lingered over them like I do in this book. Although the sea is filled with light and shadow and color, I think his most stunning photos are in black and white. They capture an almost etherial emotion and reduce the images to simple forms of light and contrast. I feel that this is Doubilet's Magnum Opus, and perhaps solidifies his position as the great underwater photographer of our time. Buy the book, study the photos, read the captions and dream of diving in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

An adventure all on its own
The pictures are amazing. You feel like you are diving with Doubilet only he lets you see things that you may never find on your own. I would definately recommend this book to anyone!!

Day Dream your way into new worlds looking at these photos
You'll feel a profound sense of wonder as you wander the depths of these pages. There is joy, and there is sadness. The world is an amazing place, and this life's work capturing part of it on film will transport you up and out of yourself. Wafting through the views is like taking a vacation. You will come back changed.

Transcendency
This is a stunningly beautiful book. David Doubilet has broken a visual barrier, between water and earth. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Aloof and powerful, the once endangered bald eagle is slowly making a comeback, ecologically speaking, throughout much of North America, to which it is unique. For the last two decades wildlife photographer John Pezzenti has been recording this reversal of fortunes, traveling where the eagles do and bringing home images from his travels, some 150 of which are gathered in this volume. Many of Pezzenti's striking views come from the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, home to a huge concentration of bald eagles; some 20,000 nesting pairs are found in the region, nourished by silver salmon and other large fish. Pezzenti captures images of little-seen aspects of eagle behavior, including courtship flights that involve several males, who compete to mate with a female by exhibiting an "impressive display of calls and acrobatic maneuvers." He also provides the only photographic record yet published of eagles hatching in the wild, a sequence that alone is worth the price of the book. While noting that conditions are much improved, especially after the federal ban of the use of the pesticide DDT, Pezzenti observes that bald eagles are not yet wholly safe from harm; a thriving black market for flight feathers exists, in which a single white tail plume can bring a thousand dollars. For admirers of this spectacular raptor, Pezzenti's book is required reading. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (6)

without exception
John Pezzenti has the nobility of an eagle...the stamina of a panther and the endurance of an owl intent on it's foe. He is beyond any human explanation of what a photograher should or could ever aspire to be. When I experience his photograghs I am transformed to the reality that all mankind could benifit from his example. We are but players in the realm of a wonderous life cycle...not within our command but certainly within our protection. Thank You John for your gift and sharing it!

Pezzenti brilliantly captures spirit of American Eagle!
Prepare yourself for another exhilarating adventure by one of wildlife photography's most talented photojournalists. John Pezzenti, Jr. has the unique ability to take his reader on a journey filled with fascinating tales and unparalleled photographs. In the American Eagle Pezzenti brilliantly captures the very essence and spirit of an American treasure - the powerful and majestic bald eagle - photographed by many but rarely to such perfection. Depicting the bald eagle in every conceivable situation, Pezzenti begins his photographic journey from the Florida Everglades through picturesque New England and northwest to Alaska - his home territory. I thoroughly enjoyed Pezzenti's engaging stories and portrayals of the dedicated eagle protectors across America who work tirelessly toward the survival of this magnificent bird. The photos alone make The American Eagle a "must have" for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love of America's national treasure. Once again, Pezzenti has proven himself to be one of wildlife's finest photographers working in the field today.

Stunningly beautiful images!
Not long ago I sat with John Pezzenti Jr. in his beat up Suburban that he uses for nature photography as rain pounded upon the roof. John showed me a pre-release copy of his newest book, American Eagle. My 13 year old nephew from California looked over my shoulder as I turned each page, stunned by the breadth and depth of John's photographic coverage of this symbol of America. To say this is a remarkable book is an under statement. My nephew summed up how magnificant this book is when we were driving back home. "John's pictures are amazing," Shane said. "I'm going to start saving today so I can buy that book when it comes out!"

Truely remarkable!
Wow!! From the time you see the cover, you are completely riveted to the spectacular images contained within the pages of this incredible effort. John has captured on film the story of the Bald Eagle like no other. From birth to adolescence, maturity and death Jonh's stunning images ( many never before photographed behavior)have given us the rare opportunity to glimpse into the world of this magnificent bird. The pages take you across the country illustrating the plight of the eagle, as well as conservation efforts to re-establish it throughout its traditional range. Each photograph illustrates John's dedication, passion and incredible ability. I look forward to seeing more from this extremely talented man. I highly recommend this book to all. Congratulations John, continue your groundbreaking work!