Customer Reviews

Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I went to a presentation of the book at the University of Washington, and I have to say that the book is very cool. A 5' x 7' book on a stand has a presence,and the combination of the natural beauty of Bhutan and of the amazing quality of the photographs, is very impressive. The size of the book did enhance the subject matter. Michael Hawley gave a very interesting talk about the making of the book, the production of which is really an interesting combination of new technology and old bookbinding techniques. Clearly, this book is really for public collections as most people don't have the funds to purchase it, nor the space to display it. Nonetheless, if you are able to see it (say the University of Washington Library) it is worth the effort.

This "library binding" edition is a visual and technical tour de force. The really-large-format printing from digital images is a feat in itself. The bookbinding for such a uniquely large and heavy book took innovation in design, materials, and craftsmanship, and required two people two days to assemble each copy.

The combination of stunning images, hand-craft, and technology, along with the small total run of books printed, puts this library edition in a category of "art books." Note that unlike most other art books, most of the price of _Bhutan_ goes to educational charities for Bhutanese children. (See Amazon "click here" for special order details on this book.)

For more information, see many news stories published 12/15/03, including:

NYT (free subscription req'd):
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/15/technology/15book.html

Seattle Times:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001815237_bhutan15.html

Boston Globe:

http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2003/12/15/heavy_reading/

As the Amazon editorial review and all of the articles mention, _Bhutan_ is certified by Guiness as the "World's Largest Book." The fact that you're reading this review confirms that Amazon is the "World's Largest Bookseller," literally.

Also note, Amazon has a (currently unpriced) normal edition of the book scheduled for 2/04 release. (Click "All Editions.")

Context: I work down the street from the Wichita KS public library where a copy was donated by a local charitable organization. I visit the library often and make it a point to stop by the Bhutan display and view the current page.

The images are so full of detail, it's hard not to love this book. I'm fascinated by each new page and I believe Bhutan is a visual treasure.

The first time I walked into the West Chicago, IL library after the Bhutan book was placed on display, I thought I had been transported to the Himalayas. Standing in front of these gorgeous mountains, I could feel myself being pulled in. Subsequent days as the pages were turned, I was impressed with the beauty of the area, the beauty of the people, the vibrancy of their costumes. I make a lot of trips to the library-don't want to miss a page. Thanks Dr. George Hawley for donating your son's wonderful work to West Chicago. Worth a trip to view where ever it is on display.

This book was given to me less than a month after I returned from a trip to Bhutan in the late fall of 2006. If you are seeking only a portable guidebook on your trip, look elsewhere (I used Lonely Planet). But if the objective is to find the best photographic portrait of a very special place, this is the book for you. This is a reduced version of a book that measures 5x7 feet, that weighs 150 pounds, and that holds a Guinness World Record. It is also a charitable project, intended to provide funds for university education of Bhutanese students. Although the book was published in 2004, I noticed that it includes several photos (such as those of Dochu La and Taktsang Gompa) that were taken before some recent and rather dramatic changes. I cannot help but conclude that many of the shots will become historically significant over time. But as an artistic collection, the photos are truly stunning. It is unusual to find not only intimate shots of a beautiful group of people, but majestic views of the incredible landscape. I look at my copy often, for it transports me to the other side of the world.

I am so delighted to have "discovered" Bhutan...it's absolutely transporting...and what a way to spend an evening! Even a glass of port, a box of dark chocolate, and a roaring fire would not have been as delicious.

Perhaps a recent reviewer was thinking of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in the Middle East, which does indeeed have oil resources. Bhutan is not noted for its petroleum resources. Their small economy is based on agriculture and forestry.

nous avons visiter le bhoutan l'année passer et vu le livre dans un suisse guest house et depuis on le cherchait. Tres heureux de l'avoir trouver de superbes photos les paysages, monastères, le peuple et coutume que nous avons pu rencontrer pendant notre voyage inoubliable, merci

The main objective of this book is to convey the rich visual and spiritual beauty of the country of Bhutan. As such, it's mostly pictures, usually two pages wide, with a short, unobtrusive caption in one corner telling us what we're looking at. It accomplishes its mission very well, like a beautiful slideshow on hardcopy pages. Asiaphiles, particularly Himalayaphiles, will get much enjoyment from this book.

This edition from Amazon is actually a miniature version, about 12 inches by 9 inches, of the original edition. The original edition, of which only one copy was printed, is approximately 5 feet by 4 feet when closed, and is certified by the Guiness Book of World Records as the world's largest book. This original book was printed by the Hewlett-Packard Company as a demonstration of its large-format printing abilities, and may be viewed in the main lobby of HP's site in San Diego, California.

But if you don't feel like shelling out hundreds of dollars for a plane ticket to San Diego, buy this edition from Amazon instead.

This book is amazing, it is just like you are there. Extremely well packaged and shipped 2nd day air via UPS. Worth every penny.