Dogs [Hardcover]

Rien Poortvliet (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 1996

A book of paintings and drawings on the subject of dogs with an accompanying text that embraces dog history, dog lore, dog behaviour and dog training and care. Many breeds are represented, from dachshunds to Dobermans and poodles to Pomeranians.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Artist Rien Poortvliet paints an impressive and certainly diverse range of subjects--gnomes, theological scenes, and now a book completely devoted to dogs! Canine fanatics will fall in love with Poortvliet's amazingly lifelike portraits of basset hounds, fox terriers, dalmatians, and just about every dog ever invented! The artist works with both oil and pencil, astutely observing the physique and even the unique spirits of different breeds. Short snippets of dog history and humor also accompany this majestic collection of paintings and drawings. --Naomi Gesinger

Language Notes

Text: English, Dutch (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 220 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (March 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810981408
• ISBN-13: 978-0810981409
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great gift for dog lovers., January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dogs (Hardcover)

I first purchased this book because of the beautiful dog portraits, especially the scenes in autumn colors. Then, I read and connected with the story that unfolds, a beloved old dog passes away and the author searches for the right new dog to add to his family. It is not a sad story. There is a sense of humor in many of the sketches which adds to the appeal of the book. Page after page of color pictures show dogs at play, working and in repose. Some dogs depicted are European breeds not seen in the U.S., large dogs, small dogs; my favorites are a flaming Red Setter with windblown coat and an English Setter hunting. It is a great gift book for dog lovers.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Marvelous, January 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Dogs (Hardcover)

I am a crazy dog lady. I admit it. I can't pass a dachshound without stooping to say hi. My husband and I have even been known to park our car down the block so that we can casually stroll down the street and "accidentally" make the acquaintance of a sprightly-looking corgi or retreiver. Pathetic, we are, completely pathetic, but we absolutely don't care.

Anyway-- this is The Pathetic Portland Pooch Lady's favorite dog book ever. You won't believe the illustrations until you see them. It's done like a sketchbook-- dozens of different images all crowding together with occasional splash pages or portraits. On a single page, you might see: a dachshund skeleton next to a wolf skeleton; a dachshund in a snowy landscape bravely facing down a boar; the same dachshund being carried off by the boar; and a light pencil sketch of the dachshund staring at a hedgehog-- "the only game I ever saw him corner," according to Poortvliet.

The book's other great strength is its honesty. It's screamingly funny at times, and of course, some of the pictures are real heart-melters, but there's nothing posed or plastic about it. Poortvliet gets all his laughs, and all his tears, from dedicated and truthful observation, and from mastery the arts of storytelling and illustration.

In other words, buy this book. It's a treasure.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgious artwork, delightful humor, loves his subject., June 28, 1998

By 

G. D. Caliva (San Jose, Ca. United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dogs (Hardcover)

His thumbnail drawings are sometimes very funny and his paintings are wonderful. This is my favorite Poortvliet book. I`ve read it three times and have used it as inspiration for my own artwork. From the old hunting dog lying under his desk, farting, to the elegant wolfhound, he will keep you enchanted. A must for dog lovers.