Earth From Above: 366 Days [Hardcover]

Yann Arthus-Bertrand (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2003

Based on Abrams' hugely successful Earth From Above: 365 Days, this new and improved edition includes 60 additional pages and almost 200 brand-new, eye-popping images by renowned aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand. Reaching across the continents, from the icebergs of Antarctica to the cotton fields of India to the olive plantations of Spain, the breathtaking, full-color photographs are accompanied by informative new captions that illuminate what we see and describe the environmental concerns related to each location.

In addition, all 12 chapters of the book now open with an insightful introduction by one of several noted authors who address a wide variety of subjects critical to the present and future health of our planet: agriculture, biodiversity, sustainable development, energy, forests, fresh water, seas and oceans, global warming. Earth from Above: 366 Days offers us a valuable new perspective on our spectacular but fragile environment.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Photographer Arthus-Bertrand combines his talent for shooting gorgeous aerial pictures with his commitment to preserving the environment in this edifying illustrated book. The volume's thesis-that "the present levels and methods of consumption, production and exploitation of resources are not viable in the long term"-is developed in an unusual, calendar-inspired format, with a two-page spread for each day of the year. One side presents a landscape photograph, while the facing page contains a short text that describes the image's relation to larger ecological issues. For example, January 8th's picture of a sea ice formation in the Turkü archipelago, Finland, is accompanied by the information that the "great warm sea current" that breaks up the ice every year "may disappear as the climate changes and the Arctic ice cap melts." On another day, the image of a shining bronze power station in Denmark celebrates the fact that the plant "uses new technologies that reduce toxic emission by up to 80 percent." The book also includes a few short essays by experts in biodiversity, oceanography, forestry and the like, who explain the steps that would need to be taken in order to rectify the planet's current ecological wounds. Arthus-Bertrand's ability to find beauty in almost everything-his image of brightly-colored Mexican parasols resembles a color-field abstract painting; his swatch of German bottle racks recalls a sweeping mosaic-help make this an elegant and persuasive testament to all that could be lost if conservation strategies are not more fully embraced. 366 full color photos.
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About the Author

Yann Arthus-Bertrand is a specialist in aerial photography whose work has been featured in National Geographic, Life, GEO, and Paris-Match, among other magazines. He has published more than 20 books of aerial photography. The Earth From Above books, along with the related exhibition, are supported by UNESCO. Brian Groombridge is senior program officer at the United Nations Environment Programme-World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge, England. Peter H. Gleick is president of the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and Security in Oakland, CA. Alan Simcock is an ocean expert and executive secretary of the Commission of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 796 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (December 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810944499
• ISBN-13: 978-0810944497
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #284,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the world famous photographer, is renowned for his aerial photography. His bestseller include The Earth from the Air, which has sold over a million copies. He lives on France.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Stunning Collection from Arthus-Bertrand, November 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Earth From Above: 366 Days (Hardcover)

I have both Earth from Above (the BIG book) and Earth from Above: 365 Days. Both books contain hundreds and hundreds of images that I find extraordinary -- intoxicatingly beautiful images of our world. I am happy to report that this newest volume adds many more absolutely stunning NEW images to the Arthus-Bertrand collection.

This new volume is not just an expanded and/or revised version of older editions. At least eighty percent of the photos are entirely new. Another ten to fifteen percent contain either DIFFERENT photos of a given geographic site (e.g., the famous "heart" on New Caledonia) or explore the same theme in a new area (e.g., the photo of a windmill farm in this edition is in Denmark instead of California.)

The only criticism I can make of this new edition is that it occasionally flirts with tourist kitsch. I'm thinking of the photos of Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria and Tower Bridge in London. Still, even these rather tame and familiar images are balanced with other fantastic views of less familiar landmarks on the world tourism trail. (The photo of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India is absolutely the finest picture of that magical city that I have ever seen.)

If you already own Arthus-Bertrand's other books, you will not be disappointed by this latest collecton. If this is your first exposure to his photography. . .well, I envy you. Please check out his other fine books. He offers a multitude of images that never fail to beguile and astonish.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars And for those who want a daily reminder...., December 14, 2004

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Earth From Above: 366 Days (Hardcover)

EARTH FROM ABOVE, the important photographic portfolio with accompanying essays by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, has met with such a wide receptive audience that the publishers have created this small scale 'calendar book' EARTH FROM ABOVE: 366 DAYS which gives a photograph and essay on each of the works viewed in the larger tome on separate pages for each day of the year. The message remains the same - and here it is one for daily contemplation: we are the caretakers of the planet Earth and these stunning visual reminders will hopefully alert us all to the importance of our guardianship. A perfect gift, especially to the young ones on your list! Grady Harp, December 2004

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking Pictures, October 10, 2004

By 

Dorrie Wheeler - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Earth From Above: 366 Days (Hardcover)

This is a really beautiful book and the author did some extensive research when compiling this book (it took him over a decade). The accompanying text is not very lengthy but the pictures are awesome and breathtaking. This is a wonderful book and great for coming up with ideas for your next vacation.