"Ethiopia from the Heart" [Hardcover]

Andarge Asfaw (Author, Photographer), Donna T Jones (Editor, Preface)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2007

In his new book Andargé Asfaw captures Ethiopia's striking splendor of nature and its deep and abiding link to the country's faith and culture. Much of the beauty captured in this stunning book is rapidly disappearing, however. Especially alarming is the rate at which the forest canopy is vanishing. "I hope readers will let these photographs guide them on an Ethiopian journey through breathtaking landforms, graceful wildlife encounters, and an intimate experience with Ethiopian culture," Mr. Asfaw said when announcing the book's publication. Mr. Asfaw hopes that the passion he has put into the book's photographs will create and heighten the awareness of Ethiopia's - and the world's - environmental crisis. His belief that everyone can help save the Earth one step at a time is reflected in how the book was produced using post consumer materials where possible. In addition, part of the proceeds from each copy of Ethiopia from the Heart sold will be combat deforestation in Ethiopia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Mechale Publishing; 1ST edition (2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979152968
• ISBN-13: 978-0979152962
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,984,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #83 in Books > Travel > Africa > Ethiopia & Djibouti

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ethiopia from the heart, February 29, 2008

By 

Mekdie Solomon (Silver Spring, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: "Ethiopia from the Heart" (Hardcover)

There are not very many books that i have come across that have captivated my soul the way that "Ethiopia from the Heart" has. The images from each page sing in a way that allow the viewer to go on a personal journey to Ethiopia with out ever having to travel very far. The images captured have texture, emotion and warmth that evoke a sense of beauty from cover to cover. Everyone that i have shown this book to has been captivated by the images they have been exposed to. This book is what results when simple wonders of the world meet with amazingly unique photographic technique. Often times Ethiopia is viewed as a poverty stricken third world country. However through the images found in this book it is easy to see that even the often neglected sectors of the world have a natural beauty that have always been there but have not been correctly depicted, UNTIL NOW. "Ethiopia from the Heart" took me to new heights and i encourage more people to partake in this movement of enlightenment. This book not only tells a story of its people but it also strives to restore and preserve the images found. Part of the proceeds of the book go to preserving the natural life in Ethiopia. Through the efforts of the artist and the donations of readers such as myself we will be able to collectively stand together to help keep the images found in this book vibrant and alive for years to come.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stunning, February 18, 2008

By 

D. Colbert (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: "Ethiopia from the Heart" (Hardcover)

This book has earned a place of prominence in my home. I love to share it with friends and have given it as a present to many members of my family. Why? Because it appeals on two levels.

Mr. Asfaw has a gift for photo composition. The book is filled with lovely examples of texture, opulent color, stark contrasts, and, fittingly, heart. The photograph captions are reserved for an appendix. In "Ethiopia from the Heart," the viewer is politely presented with photographs and an opportunity: to enjoy a personal experience with the beauty and dignity of the Ethiopian people, their striking homeland, and their rich culture.

Another level of this book is its purpose. Mr. Asfaw and Ms. Jones, who so nicely handled the photo editing and layout, are very vocal supporters of renewing Ethiopia's natural resources. The flyleaf states, "A portion of the profits from this book will donated to organizations working to preserve forests by providing alternatives to using wood for fuel." It encourages me when artists generously apply their gifts to achieve such admirable goals.

From a Western perspective, these photographs are exotic. The idea that deforestation is threatening the way of life for so many today is disturbing. That future generations might never know the lushness on display in some of these landscapes is frightening. The intense, sere bleakness of some landscapes shown in this work is an undeniable call to action. A simple first step for many of us is to purchase this book and help Mr. Asfaw contribute to a worthy cause.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This one's a keeper!, March 28, 2008

By 

A. J. Doumani (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: "Ethiopia from the Heart" (Hardcover)

I love this book! It's an exuberant and poignant homage to the land and the people of Ethiopia. The images are breathtaking and deeply honest -- there's so much more here than just another bunch of pretty travel photos. I keep coming back to this book; and each time I open it, I see something new and learn something new. This one is a keeper!