Good Breeding

The photography is so well done the animals become supermodels. I can flip through this book again and again. You won't become an expert in animal husbandry by reading the book but you may develop a true appreciation for the beauty of a champion bull.

I gave this book to my Dad for Father's Day, years ago. Whenever I go to his house, it's there and I have to look through it again. Get a hardcover copy if you can ... it will wear out otherwise. :-)

I'm not from a rural background, nor do I have any experience of animal husbandry, nor do I even have much interest in photography, but when I first saw this book in a store it simply drew me in. Inside you will find page after page of superbly composed, full-colour photographs of various livestock breeds pictured with owners, owners' children or handlers from all over Europe, even some from as far away as Argentina. On some pages you will see soft-haired, placid sheep, on others tall and elegant horses, plump pigs whose faces almost seem to show amusement, graceful, homely-looking cows, on some occasions even goats or donkeys. Yet my personal favourites are the pictures of prize bulls. These handsome creatures seem to exude power, yet starkly defy their fearsome reputation as they stand patiently with their handlers, some of whom are just tiny children. Yann Arthus-Bertrand's photographic juxtapositions of animal and master are often endearing, sometimes humourous, but crucially they are never, however often you happen to glance at them, dull. This book is not just a portfolio. Look through it and it will warm your heart.

Arthus-Bertrand displays the most amazing photographs of breeding quality livestock that I have ever seen. Anyone who appreciates animal husbandry, agronomy, or farm animals in general will love this book. The photographs of bulls are exceptional!

This is the only photography book I've ever purchased, simply because I couldn't put it down in the bookstore. Since buying the book, I've passed it around to several friends -- some who are familiar with livestock -- and some who are not. Makes no difference. It's impossible to look at this book without going through the whole thing, page by beautiful page. The animals look strangely like their owners (or is it the other way around?). Each portrait is stark and simple, drawing your eye to the relationship between animal and handler. Buy this book. You won't regret it. Outstanding gift!