Customer Reviews

Creature

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I received this book as a gift, and I will be honest--I was floored. "Creatures" that are meant to be hidden in their respective habitats are given their due majesties when planted on blank canvas. Every detail is available, stark and sometimes overwhelming. Some photos look painted, a testament that Nature oftentimes makes the best art.

I do have to say that I don't understand some other reviewers who gave this book a low rating because there are blank pages which are "insulting". What exactly is insulting about this? In my opinion, the placements of the various animals on the pages give the effort fluidity and movement in a collection of still photos; furthermore, the blank pages (when they're there) add to the value of portrait by highlighting the animal alone. After all, we paid for photos of animals with no background. It's what we received.

I believe the book would be sorely lacking if we were given 175 animals photographed ala prison photos to be placed in the center of each page. The results would be slow, tired and common, and would detract greatly from the goal of this book: To bring the essence--the motion--of the animal into utmost focus. This book attempts to present the dual beauty of the still moment, as Zuckerman writes at its end: animal life in a still frame capture and it's simultaneous movement.

I highly recommend it, "insults" or no.

Creature is a breathtaking look at a very broad range of animals with a unique perspective. It is easy to get lost in the artistry and quality of the photographs that show detail not typically included in children or museum books.

Toward the end of the book, he photographer notes that the use of images on white is not only intentional, it is the motivation behind the entire series of photographs. To lament the amount of blank space allocated in the book is to miss the point. Stripped of their environment, some creatures are close, far, or simply alive.

Creature is not a book to merely flip from page to page, but instead to relish each individual spread for its perspective. Moving too quickly means missing the details; the photographer and designer have created a book that decidedly invites the reader to slow down and stay for a spell.

Creature is a work of art. It connects you with a single moment that is real -- might be whimsical, hungry, frightening -- but each page is virtually alive.

A good reminder that all creatures are individuals with memorable moments.

I love the concentration on the creatures, not the surround. The plain and simple white background lets the emphasis fall on the magnificent animals - from insects to elephants. It is a unique book where you can count the hairs on beautiful mammals and almost feel the crystal clear scales of a reptile. The design of the white space is particularly important in seeing the book as both an artistically designed work of art and a lesson in the beauty of mother nature's wondrous creatures.

From the moment I learned of this project, I eagerly awaited my copy of Creature. Andrew Zuckerman did not disappoint. The photos are spectacular, the animals amazing, and the layout of the book intriguing. Whether you're into photography, wildlife, or art, this is a must have book for the top of your coffee table. Kudos to Andrew for this exceptional work of art.

It is obvious by looking at the other reviews that the controversy over this book's layout is frustratingly bifurcated for the undecided buyer. The book has a delightfully bold layout and my review is as follows; the white backgrounds create a uniformity that stabilizes the book page to page. Additionally, the white aids the effort to capture the intrinsic 'creature' within each animal. Unless there can be an appreciation and an understanding for the blankness within this book, its purchase will sadly be seen as a waste. It is comforting to know that, regardless of harsh critics and naive readers, the book was driven solely by simple design. In our capitalistic economy today, it is difficult to create a sound book without trying to appeal to public tastes, but Andrew Zuckerman succeeded with Creature.

Reviewing a book such as this is probably as difficult as it is to describe having seen in person the animals that Andrew Zuckerman saw and photographed. He offers 175 full-color high definition images assembled in a coffee-table book that commands attention with its stunning cover shot of a black panther. Other images include those of bears, mandrills, parrots, and baby leopards. No text is provided nor is any necessary because it would be intrusive and thus a distraction. Literally, Zuckerman's art speaks for itself with and does so with visual eloquence. Any words of mine are inadequate except to say "Magnificent!"

We bought this book for our daughter who loves animals. It is beautifully done and she loves the simplicity of it.
Additionally the index in the back of the book shows a small photo of each animal along with the names, scientific and common.
I would have given it 5 stars except that our copy has a small production hitch where a few of the pages are duplicates and one animal is missing.

I got this calendar last year and I liked it so much that I bought it again this year. Zuckerman's photography of animals is so simple yet fascinating.

The photos in this book are amazing. They are very detailed and clean, accompanied by the white background every animal comes alive. The back of the book helps you identify what each creature is. There is a massive amount of 'blank' space in the book, which some reviewers dislike. It is intimidating at first, but really draws your attention to the animal. My only dislike about this book is how bulky it is. For such sleek photos, the book is extremely thick, large, and heavy (though this does mean the photos are of decent size). I hope you have a big coffee table.