Charlotte Dumas: Retrieved [Paperback]

Charlotte Dumas (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2011

Immediately following the attacks of 9/11, nearly 100 trained search dogs and their handlers--enlisted from 18 U.S. states--were deployed by FEMA to join the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Alongside firemen and other teams sorting through the debris, the dogs worked tirelessly around the clock to locate survivors in the rubble--images of which intrigued Dutch photographer Charlotte Dumas as the events unfolded in the media. One decade later, discovering that only 15 of these dogs were still alive, Dumas succeeded in tracking each of them down, visiting and photographing the dogs at their homes throughout the U.S., where they all still live with their handlers. Composed at close range in natural light, Dumas' portraits--reproduced here in a thoughtfully designed paperback volume with Japanese binding--offer an intimate view into the everyday lives of these animals, now sharing the vulnerability of old age as they once pursued a common heroic goal.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: The Ice Plant; Original edition (October 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982365365
• ISBN-13: 978-0982365366
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 0.4 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #181,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great photos but I'd hoped for something more November 6, 2011

By Grevillia

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I thought this was a great idea for a book, particularly on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I had always been so in awe of the work performed by the canine SAR teams & felt they deserved more recognition. So when I saw a preview of this book I had to order it. The pictures that I saw in the review were beautiful - the faces of these wise, old dogs were very moving. However, having received the book I can't help being disappointed. What I saw in the preview is basically the entire contents of the book. I had thought there would be several pictures of each dog with some text about their life & what they've been doing since 9/11. Instead it was basically 1 picture per dog & a small paragraph about each one on the last page of the book. It's not that what is there isn't any good - it just could have been so much more. For example this could have been a great opportunity to raise funds for canine SAR. What a shame that opportunity wasn't taken up.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING PROJECT October 28, 2011

By Artbook Collector

Format:Paperback

I recently bought this book for my wife, who is a dog fanatic, after reading all the great press it received. I'm so glad I did.

Unless you completely lack emotion, Charlotte Dumas' photos will move you, perhaps to tears, and they are wonderfully reproduced on lush paper. The book is simple in design, which is appropriate for the material. The photos really speak for themselves-an appropriate tribute to these heroes. Some of the other customer reviews on Amazon described disappointment with the images going through the gutter/spread, but I really don't find it to be an issue. Although not always ideal, it is common with illustrated books of all shapes and sizes. In this case you can open the book wide enough to clearly see the image.

The book may make you wish there were more images of the dogs, but that of course is the sad twist to the entire project-only 15 of the original 9/11 dogs survived. With this book, Charlotte has given them the spotlight they deserve. I'm not someone who would normally buy a 9/11 related picture book, but this one really captured my heart. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

25 of 29 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a STEAL for the price! October 8, 2011

By Lester P.

Format:Paperback

I recently received my copy of Charlotte Dumas' new book and cannot be happier with the content and design. Apparently, I am not alone, as I've learned that Retrieved is already on it's second printing. In terms of design, this book is loaded with simple, yet sophisticated details. It's beautifully printed and the elegance and ease of the Japanese binding allows for a deeply intimate look into the gazes of these noble portraits. You feel as if you are face-to-face with them. There is also an index in the back of the book with information about each Dog. I personally like this approach as it does not interfere with viewing the images. As a whole, honoring the quiet heroism of the rescue Dogs from 9/11 is masterfully achieved. I'd surmise to say this book is not only a portrait of the bravery and grace of these animals, but a reflection of the respect and reverence the artist has for them. Bravo!