Earth from Above

I bought these postcards to send to a young man in the Marines. They are beautiful and interesting!

Earth from Above is one of those books that just makes you instantly wonder: How in the world did one man do this? The scope and breadth of the territory covered, the absolute beauty of each and every image and the soulfulness of the subjects is almost impossible to describe. I saw an outdoor installation of the photos from this book project at the Chateau de la Bourdaisiere in the Loire Valley in France recently and was just spellbound. To wander among these huge prints and just ponder what it must have been like to have seen these wonders in person was quite amazing. Yann Arthus-Bertrand has accomplished what I think few other photographers (including myself) could even envision: he has taken a portrait of the earth from the sky. And he has done it with amazing artistry and clarity and sensitivity. These aren't just photos of mountains and lakes and rivers, either--there are amazing photos of man's creations and also of people at work too--such as in the incredible photos of the great dye pits in Morocco. You just look at these photos and marvel--there is no other way to describe the experience. Moreover you get no sense that this was shot from something as mundane as a helicopter or airplane, you get the feeling Arthus-Bertrand was merely floating over the planet--that's how unobtrusive the aircraft are in these photos. Beware though, this is the kind of book where you find yourself tapping people next to you in the bookstore on the shoulder and saying "Look at this!" You can't help yourself. If you don't share it within someone, you'll burst. The photographs are that stunning. As a photographer and the author of many photo how-to books myself, I simply can't imagine creating a project this immense and this touching. I think if I ever walked into a publisher's office and suggested this I would hear the laughter for blocks as I fled down the street! Arthus-Bertrand should get great credit for not just thinking of this immense idea, but for seeing it through. If you're looking for a one-volume course in world geography, this is it. If you have ambitions to be an aerial photographer, don't even think of not studying this book first--it's required reading. It is also one of the most beautiful photo books you will ever own. Coffee-table books take up a lot of room and often they just collect dust. Trust me, this book will never collect dust and if you're a wanderer at heart like I am, you'll find yourself daydreaming about planning trips before you get more than a few pages into the book. Jeff Wignall Author, The Joy of Digital Photography

I first saw the work of this super talented photographer in the wee hours of August 20th, 2000 outside Palais du Luxembourg in Paris. I was so fascinated by the colors, the angles, the beauty, and the emotions conveyed that I pledged to get a copy of the book as soon as I returned to the US. The pictures portray everyday places and people that seem out of this world when viewed through the lens of Arthus-Bertrand. The photographer and his staff really did their homework when putting together the captions that accompany the pictures. They have gathered information on geography, history, ecology, anthropology, economics, sociology, politics, and popular culture to describe the sites, hence increasing our awareness of our precious and wondrous yet fragile world. Earth from Above will never make it to my bookshelf because it's so fascinating that I keep it out on my living room table to share the wonder!

Not many things can speak to your soul, open your heart, and stimulate your mind all at once. This one does. Do yourself a favor, get this book (and get me one for C'mas too! ;-)