Book Description

The ocean has been a rich subject for artists since time immemorial. To pay tribute to the beauty of the ocean and to celebrate the artists that have captured its many extraordinary faces, photography editor Sue Hostetler has compiled work from eighty of the most prominent contemporary photographers. The book features contributions by Vicki Goldberg, renowned photography critic; Jean-Michel Cousteau and Robert Redford, who are lifelong environmentalists; and a message from the Natural Resources Defense Council which is dedicated to preserving natural habitats the world over. From the haunting work of Shirin Neshat to the pop-techno vision of Mariko Mori, to the elegantly romantic work of Elliott Erwitt, Oceans is a unique and stunning volume.

Photographers include:
Robert Adams, Harry Callahan, Lynn Davis, Rineke Dijsktra, Elliott Erwitt, Andreas Gursky, Richard Misrach, Shirin Neshat, Jock Sturges, Hiroshi Sugimoto, William Wegman, Minor White, and many others.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must for every lover of the seas.
An amazing collection of some of the most exceptional images taken of our oceans. Every guest seeing it on the coffee table has commented positively on it...great conversation catalyst since everyone has a favorite image/memory of the oceans in their lives. ... Read more

Book Description

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and with these portraits, Howard Bjornson has uncovered the natural beauty that persists right in our own backyards.Sixty-four stunning photographic portraits of common dandelion, evening primrose, sunflower, and many other "unwanted" plants herald the grace and loveliness of nature's most resilient, free-spirited creatures.Accompanied by both their common and Latin names, as well as inspirational quotes on rich vellumpages, these sumptuous photos are the perfect gift for the gardener who has everything. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Wonderful Weeds!
Boy do I like this book! From the front cover with its striking portrait of nodding wild onion (Allium cernuum) to the alien looking bur sedge (Carex grayi var. hispidula) on the back cover and everything in between its luxurious vellum pages. Yes ma’am, yes sir, I like this book. Weeds is a superb collection of some very common weeds cast in an uncommonly flattering light. Sure, it’s apparent that Bjornson occasionally utilizes some special effects magic to enhance their beauty. So what? Even super models need a little touch up treatment from the ole airbrush now and then. These sixty-four outstanding photographs make a clear aesthetic statement: weeds can be beautiful. We all know weeds can be downright ugly. But through the appreciative eye of Bjornson their hidden beauty is revealed. He has made a silk purse out of a sows-thistle, so to speak.

But weeds are not just another pretty face to him. Learning about weeds revealed a cosmic truth to Bjornson. The truth that “one needn’t travel the world to find untamed natural beauty.” These enchanting photographic portraits are gently interspersed with some thought provoking ‘weed’ haiku such as, “Wherever weeds won’t grow let man beware to go” and “Weeds are the strong and persistent creatures who live in weak circumstances”. Bjornson also cheerily refers to these “persistent creatures” as the “free spirits of the natural world”. Free spirits! This is great stuff. Who in their right mind would ever refer to velvet leaf (Abutilon theophrasti), as a free spirit? I dare say not a single Weed Science professor in recent memory.

And speaking of velvet leaf, Bjornson’s picture of this oh so common character is dazzling. One can almost feel the densely hairy stems. The detail is remarkable. This attention to detail is true of each and every picture. I don’t know how Bjornson achieves his effects but the realism of the photos is gently juxtaposed against his artistic interpretation in a way which conveys their beauty without distortion. His technique lovingly captures their color, form, and texture. Truly, these dramatic and beautiful portraits are almost mystical. But as he says in the intro, “It is a matter of perspective”. Do I rave? Yes, because I really like this book and I would suggest you peruse it with a glass of your favorite beverage, some Bach and a big cushy chair.

Those of you looking for an ID challenge won’t be disappointed. None of the pictures in the main portion of the book are labeled. They are identified in the back of the book by a smaller version of the same picture. The scientific name does accompany the picture. Since Bjornson gathered all of his plants within a few miles of his Chicago studio there are a few that may be unfamiliar to those living in Central Ohio.

This is a unique art book of extraordinary caliber. It is marvelously conceived and executed. Production values are high. It is a first class piece of work in every sense of the word. Brjonson demonstrates that he knows his subject thoroughly and personally. A subject of which he says, “One man sees a weed the same weed to another may be a flower.” You can preview this book by logging on to Bjornson’s website .... I know you won’t be disappointed. By the way, did I say how much like this book?

And from the basic and practical point of view...
I plan to give this book to lots and lots of people for Christmas this year. Yes, it's exquisite art, yes, it enriches the reader by connecting her or him to the Earth beneath us, but it's also simply a GORGEOUS book to look through over and over again. The photos here on Amazon, as pretty as they are, simply don't do the book justice. The photographs in the book have a depth and richness that evoke such a mood... A really nice mood. I've given coffee table art books as gifts before, but this'll be the first art book I've given as a gift when I actually have it on my coffee table.

When is Mr. Bjornson going to do another book? Very soon, I hope.

True art for (...)
Good art always makes me see the world in a different way. Great art has stopped me dead in my tracks by making the ususal unusual...Chuck Close and Ansel Adams to name a few photographers. Mr. Bjornson has photographically brought what was deeply discounted and made it into something ethereal and precious. This is a great life lesson as well as true art (all for (...)

A Weed Comes Up Through the Cracks!
I have lived my whole life in the area where Bjornson collected the ignoble subjects of his book and have walked right over there beauty.

In this book Bjornson has transformed the lowly weed to the hight of zen-like visual beauty. He makes it look so simple...so simple that only hard work and great talent could produce such a work.

Many years ago when I was taking botany in college the professor told us that a weed was only a plant that nobody wanted...Well that may be true but it dose not apply to this beautiful book which I am sure you will want.

The Extraordinary Beauty of Ordinary Things
Howard Bjornson's photographs brought me to a full stop on a very busy day. He has taken the most common and overlooked plants in our environment and revealed the tremendous beauty they contain. The simplicity and directness of these photographs made me re-realize that we are surrounded by millions of miraculous things in this world- we just forget how to see them. Spending a few minutes with "Weeds" is rejuvenating- like a good meal or a captivating story. A wonderful gift for a society that seems to be constantly accelerating. Don't miss it. ... Read more

Book Description

Waiting for Daylight consists of photographs taken while working cattle from horseback on the King Ranches in South Texas, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia. The photographs capture an era when people lived out their lives on lands that were often inhospitable with great herds of red cattle and fine cow horses. These beautiful, historic images communicate a feeling of constant renewal combined with the sense of suspended time. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A unique suspension of the ever-present flow of time
Waiting For Daylight: King Ranch: Images From The Past is a marvelous showcase of full-color photographs taken by Janell Kleberg from horseback while working cattle in South Texas, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia. Descriptive captions add insight to the moving images of ranch and animal herding life. Providing the reader with a unique suspension of the ever-present flow of time, the beautiful scenery, the hard-working horses, and superbly documented images of everyday life create and unforgettable window into the lives of dedicated men and women employed in the hard but rewarding work of ranching.

Great coffee table book.
This is a great book documenting the life of people in a harsh environment. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in not only spectacular photos but unbelievable descriptions of the photos. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful!
This book is superb. Packed with spectacular photography and interesting essays regarding Mount Desert Island's history, geography, and ecology. The print quality is first rate; kudos to the publisher. A very inspiring volume which reminds us how important it is to have places like Mount Desert Island and Acadia. Highly recommended from a resident of Maine. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Continued Evolution of Ray Metzker
This volume continues the saga of Ray Metzker as one of the 20th century's premier photographers. His change of subject from urbanscape to landscape will startle those familiar with his opus. However, Metzker's focus on shape and design, and his darkroom mastery, bring us home. This volume leaves us wondering what will be next.

Showcases twelve series of photographs
Ray Metzker is an experimental photographer whose work in the 1960s transform black and white landscape photography into a fine art. Ray K. Metzker: Landscapes showcases twelve series of his photographs. Evan Turner's informative essay on Metzker's life and work places this master photographer with an art-historical tradition spanning the contributions of such innovators as Boucher, Monet, Klimt, and others. An enthusiastically recommended addition to any personal, academic, or community library photography collection, Ray K. Metzker: Landscapes was flawlessly designed and based upon a major traveling exhibition of his work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (November 18, 2000 through February 11, 2001. Thereafter the exhibition will travel the length and breath of the country.

Collects rarely seen works
Metzker is a modern experimental photographer well known for his city photos. Landscapes departs from his tested realm into landscapes, collecting rarely seen works - most of which have never been published - and packing in black and white full-page images made around the world. Landscapes accompanies a traveling exhibition but also stands well alone.

Land abstracted in sublime light
One of the best photography monographs I've seen in years. Metzker continues to be a visual innovator in the vein of Harry Callahan or Aaron Siskind, exploring prosaic landscape subjects as a rich fodder for abstracting. His approach to a dense, 'all-over' composition has been seen in numerous other contemporary landscape photographers work (such as John Gossage or Robert Adams), but rarely with such an other-worldly romance and glow. I've been a fan for years of Metzker's more familiar series of abstracted street scenes, but these landscapes were a complete surprise. Beautifully printed volume. I'll be sure to make it to Philadelphia to take in the museum show. ... Read more

Book Description

The definitive guide from a master.

Photography of Natural Things explains how to photograph a full spectrum of natural subjects, including: - Sun and moon, day and night sky - Water, snow and ice - Plants, soil, natural landscapes - Marine and aquatic life - Mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects - Birds in flight.

Clear, non-technical text demystifies the techniques of photographing nature, guiding readers to explore their relationship to the natural world and to make fine images of their own.

Extended captions include valuable technical information and personal commentary reflective of the superb craftsmanship and stunning photography from one of the most celebrated photographers worldwide. The third edition is updated to include technical guidelines adapted for both digital and film photographers. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Best Landscape Book
In 1998 I'd seen a photo on a calendar of the Vermillion Cliffs in Utah, but had no idea where exactly it was located. I teach photography and my students and I had done some research to find it, but discovered it was a very large area. When I found Mr. Dykinga's book I was even more determined for my students to see and photograph the area. Needless to say, the book is truly inspirational thanks to Jack's remarkabe work.!
If you know a photographer or a traveller - this is the book for them! Enjoy the treat yourself as well.

Jeff Grimm
Bedford, TX

An exquisite exploration of the Colorado Plateau
The number of photographic works exploring the nuances of the Colorado Plateau is seemingly endless. Many can be browsed once and left behind. This book is the scintillating exception.

Jack Dykinga's photographic work is simply exceptional, and beyond the pale. Each color photograph appears as exquisitely crafted as a piece of fine crystal, beginning with very cover of the paperback edition. One can only envy his great patience and expertise in composing each work.

Much of the photography comes from the Paria Wilderness, an area of the Plateau not usually treated to any degree in most works, and the novelty is refreshing. A particularly enjoyable facet of the book is that use of a telephoto lens has been largely eschewed, leaving a series of scenes that the enterprising tourist can find and view with his or her own eyes, just as depicted by the book.

Charles Bowden's accompanying text is evocative and hearkens a wild diffusion of images and memories of the fascinating region.
It is an apt companion to Dykinga's superb work.

If you are limited to five or less books about the Colorado plateau, let this be one of them. I enjoy it more every time I read it.

Book comment
An hymn to the nature and it's landscapes, whose pictures are superb in both the technical and artistic plans. ... Read more

Book Description

For anyone who has been frustrated trying to capture great photos of their dogs, Creative Canine Photography is an expert guide to taking memorable best-in-show photos!Whether one wishes to photograph a family pet or a canine in the wild, here's a wealth of expert advice along with spectacular, how-to photos to guide you! Writing in a clear, humorous style, award-winning animal photographer Larry Allan explains dozens of no-fail lighting, equipment, and "getting acquainted" tips to help you capture the best possible results. He also provides tested techniques for choosing shutter speeds for stop-action effects, getting a dog to look in a specific direction, capturing a variety of expressions, exposing detail in all-white or all-black fur, avoiding dog red-eye, and much more. A must-have reference for photographers, dog owners, and animal lovers everywhere! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Provides plenty of practical tips
Creative Canine Photography is showcases expert photographic work from an award-winning animal photographer Larry Allan. Creative Canine Photography provides plenty of practical tips to successful canine photography, from capturing expressions and using correct lighting to avoiding red-eye and getting detailed exposures for all-white or all-black fur. Color photos throughout Creative Canine Photography illustrate all concepts. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Little Gem Of A Book.
This book is small enough to carry in your camera/gadget bag and is full of essential information which can be referred to in a hurry.

This, together with Arthur Morris' newly available "pocket guide to evaluative metering", are worth their weight in gold. Both are light and convenient enough to carry around with you, until the information stored in these items becomes second nature to you.

What Arthur Morris doesn't know about bird photography and exposure can be written on the back of a postage stamp.

Happy shooting.

Excellent lightweight field-guide
An amazing amount of useful information packed into a booklet not much bigger than the average camera manual.

This is one book that is to be found permanently stashed in my camera bag while out in the African bushveld.

Particularly noteworthy are the chapters dealing with lenses, exposure, film types and composition. When in the field, I find myself often referring to the chapter on exposure, which is one of the clearest most concise expositions I have ever seen on the subject.

Very useful
This book is particularly useful for the exposure information - especially important in photographing birds. ... Read more

Book Description

A coffee-table style book with 120 color photos by Mark Kelley of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The photos cover the abudant wildlife (humpback whales, bald eagles, seals, birdlife, and bears), the park's major glaciers, ecosystems, mountain ranges, and recreational users.There are 11 essays by award winning Fairbanks writer Sherry Simpson.The book also contains a six-page history with 20 vintage photos. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I was there
We went to Glacier Bay in August 2001 and I can truthfully say that Mr. Kelley's photo's captured what we saw. We never got as close to the brown bear and we didn't see a hoary marmot, but, hey, we're not professionals and we were just there for a week. The glacier shots are so perfect; just open your freezer, put on some warm clothes, look at those photos and save yourself a few thousand dollars in air-fare, etc.

Glacier Bay by Mark Kelley
We just came back from kayaking for a week in Glacier Bay and this boook captures the place and the experience beautifully! A "must have" book if you've been there to relive the experience or just to feel like you've been there without leaving home. A great book!

"Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska"
I just bought this beautiful "coffee-table" book in Juneau 2 weeks ago. We had spent almost an entire day cruising Glacier Bay. This is the first collection of pictures I've ever seen that truly does justice to the majesty of the place. I love it so much I'm buying another as a gift. You can tell Mark Kelly lives in and loves this very special part of the world. This guy is gifted! ... Read more

Book Description

Hidden behind the elegant facades and high walls of Paris are its private gardens. Whether grandiose or minuscule, highly manicured or exuberantly untended, these gardens are a secret treasure seldom seen by the visitor to Paris. This book reveals some fifty gardens, all created with passion by their owners, often in collaboration with well-known landscape designers. Each proprietor discusses the conditions in which the garden was created, the constraints and the problems that were encountered, and explains why the final design and plantings were chosen. The traditional French-style gardens, such as those of Hubert de Givenchy or Pierre Berge, are attached to private town houses, and their designs mirror the elegance and restraint of these classic dwellings. Romantic, picturesque potagers or kitchen gardens belonging to Yves Saint Laurent and others reflect their owners' taste for outdoor living. Tropical gardens with giant ferns and rare flowers, admirably tended oriental gardens, a Russian garden surrounding a little wooden hut, a Japanese garden that encourages meditation--these exotic hideaways allow us to discover other cultures. Beautifully photographed and described, this sumptuous volume invites the reader to explore these secluded horticultural gems within the heart of Paris, the most magical of cities. 220 color photographs. ... Read more

Book Description

An award-winning photographer and his breathtaking pictures provide beautiful inspiration for anyone longing to dive into the deep blue sea and record the wonders of marine life. Everything is broken down into manageable, thematic sections, which cover the photographic basics before progressing to more advanced procedures. Capture the ocean’s infinite splendor with an array of underwater shooting techniques, advice on choosing a camera, suggestions for maintaining the equipment, and instructions for lighting in this watery world. You’ll find out how to deal with low visibility, learn essential photographic equations for calculating shutter speeds and exposures; understand the differences between various film stocks and what digital can do; and see how to use the flash effectively. So take the plunge—the results will be fabulous.
... Read more

Book Description

Though fame came late to Emily Carr, today she is hailed as a major and influential figure in the history of Canadian art and as a writer of unique and extraordinary talent. In this book, Courtney Milne has taken the best of Carr’s writing about the land she loved and has matched it to a stunning selection of his own photographs of the West Coast.

In a vigorous and colourful post-impressionist style, Emily Carr painted the vanishing native villages and totem poles of her beloved coastal British Columbia, and later in her career produced beautifully lyrical paintings expressive of the spirit and rhythms of Western forests, beaches, and skies. She also poured her talent into books about her life and art, her love of animals and nature, her frustrations and disappointments, her many sources of joy.

An annual visitor to the West Coast, Courtney Milne has been making photographs with the words of Emily Carr in mind for close to 20 years. To put this book together he has collected his favourite quotes from Carr and combed through many thousands of his photographs to find the perfect image to match a chosen piece of prose. The result is a spellbinding duet of text and pictures from two gifted and sympathetic artists. ... Read more

Book Description

Philip Plisson, the well-known French marine photographer, has turned his attention to his passion, the oceans of the world. Plisson's remarkable photographs glorify humankind's obsession with conquering the seas. His images capture the ocean's drama and power, and provide glimpses of life in seaside communities. The book also addresses the current environmental dangers that threaten the fragile ecological balance of the planet's waters.

A book for photography lovers, undersea adventurers, and those concerned with the future of the earth, this breathtaking volume celebrates-in 400 of Plisson's most evocative images-our never-ending fascination with the world's oceans and seas. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Magnificent Photographs Of Stunning Seascapes!
"The Sea" is a magnificent book of photographs. Anyone who loves the the world's great bodies of water will be awed by Philip Plisson's stunning seascapes. He has captured the oceans in all moods, in all their glory - gentle, tempestuous, mysterious, terrifying, powerful. There is the beautiful tranquility of the Caribbean, and the stormy violence of the North Atlantic. And Plisson also captures the elusive quality of light, and the way it falls on water. His successful efforts to capture the right light, at the best moment, to enhance the particular quality of the sea he wants to exhibit, is worth the price of the book alone.

Many of his remarkable images feature lighthouses, ancient tall ships, and modern sail boats, regattas, and sailors alone with the elements. The vast sea, however, is the dominant presence in all the photographs.

There is very little text here. The monumental photographs speak for themselves. Yann Queffelec's Introduction does provide a perfect setting, and Elaine Georges' text is well written.

I bought this huge, (11.5" X 14.5"), coffee-table book for a sailing mate's birthday, and he absolutely loves it. There are a total of 400 photographs, and four fold-out panoramas. I have looked through my gift so many times that I decided to purchase one of my own. I highly recommend this beautiful book! ... Read more

Book Description

*200 color photos
* 15 color drawings
* 8 x 11
* Useful information for underwater photographers of all levels
* Brilliant full-color photographs throughout

"This book is set to become one of the few classic titles aboutunderwater photography. It is packed with good advice."--Colin Doeg, DiveInternational magazine

This handsomely illustrated handbook provides a comprehensive guide tothe basic techniques of underwater still photography and videography,including choosing the best equipment and using it to its full potential,solving technical challenges, and taking advantage of underwaterconditions. Full-color diagrams, tables, and charts provide easyreference for exposure settings and composition.

Annemarie Khler is an underwater videographer who has spent many yearsresearching tropical reefs and marine life behavior. Danja Khler is aqualified dive instructor for two international diving associations. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Photographs alone are worth it
The photographic tips and lessons were helpful but what impressed me the most was the quality of the photographs. More than any other book on underwater photography I have read, I would like my underwater photographs to look like the ones contained in this book. In most other books on underwater photography I have read, by some of the most renowned photographers, although the text is helpful, the sample or example photos leave me thinking "Is this the best they can do?". Whereas in this book, the sample photographs are stunning, in composition, texture and sharpness - and are alone worth the price of the book.

Good, but only for Nikonos?? not Sea and Sea or others cams?
Maybe for those people that buy Nikonos cameras this book is Ok, but what happenned with those who have Sea & Sea or others amphibians cameras?? This book only explain how to use Nikonos cameras and show tables with accessories of Nikonos, not others... In page 19: "For 90% of amateur photographers, the Nikonos system is probably the best choice" maybe this was true in past time, but I'm sure that now this words are wrong, because Sea and Sea or others good cameras are bests buys and testers choices...

In generals contents of UW Photography this book explain very good from basics to professionals tips.

Excellent comprehensive guide
I bought this book having just purchased a Sea & Sea Motormarine 11-EX for a 2 week dive holiday in the Red Sea. For someone coming from land photography, the book explains the different principals, theories and techniques of underwater photography very clearly with excellent visual guides. The proof of the success of the book was that office colleagues actually wanted to see my holiday photos.

Excellent Buy!
I've been shooting underwater photos for 10 years and never have I read a book that so throughly explains the technology of cameras, and relates it so well to the underwater realm. The crew of the Turks and Caicos Aggressor liked it so much I gave Captain Piers a copy and have come back to Amazon.com for another for myself.

An indispensable literature for the underwater photographer
I did not expect too much when I purchased this book. To my surprise, I found the insights it contained very practical and indispensable, as I read through it. In fact, I plan to read it all over again. It is full of very useful information. It think the quality of this book mirrors the other work done by the authors. I'm going to get a copy of their other books on marine adventures. I recommend it a 100%! ... Read more

Book Description

60 color photos throughout3 maps6 x 9
* Insider information on getting the best shots
* Illustrated with stunning Yellowstone and Tetons scenics

Photographers from around the world can find a wealth of wonderful images atYellowstone and Grand Tetons national parks: dramatic geysers, glittering waterways,majestic mountains, unique wild animals. Now they can make the most of their visits tothe parks with the help of the expert information in this first-ever guide to Yellowstoneand the Tetons especially for photographers. Where and when to go, how to find the bestshots, what equipment to take and techniques to use, park rules and regulations, how toavoid the crowds-all illustrated with brilliant color images. A must-have for anyone whowants to take great pictures in the parks.

Joseph K. Lange, author of Stackpole's How to Photograph Landscapes (0-8117-2456-5),has spent years taking pictures and offering workshops throughout the American West.He and his wife operate Dramatic Light Nature Photography in Grand Junction,Colorado. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Useful with caution
Photographer's Guide to Yellowstone is very useful for finding good photo spots and for choosing the best time to shoot. He also gives a valuable warning about protecting lens from geyserite spray. However his "how to" tips can lead to a lot of murky and oversaturated photos, particularly when photographing the blue, azure, and aqua colored hot pools in the thermal areas. Not every shot should be taken with a polarizer!

Not for the pro-photographer, works for the amateur
This book is written for someone with little photography background. If your just starting in photography or if your just starting in outdoor photography it gives you some good helpful hints.

Great concept.
I found this book extremely valuable, and I wish similar books were available for every photogenic destination (a few others are). Given limited vacation time in each park (Tetons & Yellowstone), we were able to plan ahead and be at the right place at the right time(s) of day to get excellent shots and then onward to other activities.

The author was exactly accurate about what time the rainbows appear from successive North Rim overlooks, for example, and we hiked between them with great results. Ignore the recommendations about filters if you like, but select from the location descriptions to maximize your trip photos of the famous (and semi-secret) views. Yes I brought home a lot of cliche images, but my friends and family don't know that and they're thrilled with the "classic" enlargements.

Excellent book on photography in these parks!
I found this book to be an exceptional guide to both photograph and tour Yellowstome and the Tetons! The author included valuable informations such as the best times of day to take pictures in the parks, and also suggested methods to use to get the best shots! In addition to the outstanding photos in the book, the author also told how to get the best results. It turned out to be an invaluable resource in planning our visit, and I would highly recommend it those planning to take pictures and those who just want to see beautiful scenery!

Use with caution
Author provides some good information about locations, access, and such, but the photographic advice is to be taken with some caution. Since he uses high-saturation film, enhancing filter plus a polarizing filter at its maximum effect for nearly every shot, everything looks muddy and oversaturated, with no true whites evident even in the winter shots. Show me the crisp colors which your eyes can see when in these locations! ... Read more

Book Description

In 1948, young war veteran Earl Shaffer did what many people said couldn't be done: He trekked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Main in one sting- walking in to the history books as the trail's first solo thru-hider. And in 1998, on the 50th anniversary of that hike, the 79-year-old Shaffer did it again. Now a legend, Shaffer recalls his anniversary trip and pays homage to the Appalachian Trail through his own prose and poetry, enhanced by Bart Smith's stunning photographs. From its southern terminus near the sparkling Amicalola Falls in Georgia to the magnificent Mount Katahdin in Main more than 2,000 miles to the north, join Shaffer and Smith on their amazing journeys along the Appalachian Trail. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Appalachian Trail Calling Me Back to the Hills
This book was a gift, but I would have bought one, and I have since given two for gifts and will not hesitate to do so again. The text was written by the legendary Earl Shaffer, who was the trail's first thru-hiker (in one season) in 1948, and repeated the feat in 1998 for the 50th anniversary of that event. The narrative is of this now famous anniversary Anniversary Trip, interspersed with some of Shaffer's poetry. Unfortunately, Shaffer died right after the book was published. Bart Smith, who is currantly behind the Katahdin Art Project, provides the wonderful color photos. To say he is talented is an understatement. His next book will be on the Florida Trail, and I cannot wait to see it. I disagree on one thing he wrote in the preface, however. Smith said, "I couldn't capture the feel of an autumn breeze, the smell of a deciduous forest ...". He is wrong. I COULD feel the autumn breeze. I could smell the deciduous forest. If this is an example of his work, he will be one of the great nature photographers of our time. I highly recommend this book. Buy it!

A Beautiful Book
Earl Shaffer was an incredible spirit. This book, released in the year of his death (May 2002) is a beautiful tribute to his life. His writing is simple and straightforward. The photography is gorgeous. This book is one to be enjoyed by hikers and nonhikers alike. There's no way you can look through "Calling Me Back to the Hills" and not want to lace up your boots and take a long walk in the woods or find your way to a mountaintop somewhere. Thanks, Earl.

Legendary- Ga to Maine--in 1948....!
ATC, the Trail Conference,based in Harper's Ferry,WV, proundly claims his achievment using heavy gear,outmoted by today's standards. He used an old army-issued rucksack..& got by using less gear than..anyone else. A reclusive type,who raised bees on farm, died at Vet's Hospital in PA,May 5th,002, at age 83

Review by Lois
A great book for the outdoor and hiking person. Great pictures and very interesting personal experiences by Earl Shaffer. Poetry very good. Best book I've seen on the Appalachian Trail so far. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is aimed at camera novices who have mastered the basics and want to develop a fresher, more creative approach. The text explains not only the technical details of each shot-the camera work, lens, film, shutter speed, and aperture-but also the creative process of one of the world's most successful wildlife photographers. The result is a fascinating inside look at how a photographer at the height of her profession approaches her craft.

Heather Angel, who has served as president of the Royal Photographic Society and has written many acclaimed books on wildlife and nature photography, lives in England. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A different view on Nature
If you think you've seen it all before have a look at this book. Starting from scenes you can see in your own back garden via exotic animals to computer manipulated images it covers every aspect the ambitious nature photographer could ask for. Each image comes with a description of the way it was taken and some useful 'tricks'. ... Read more