Customer Reviews

Prince and Other Dogs, 1850-1940

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This remarkable book - a hoard of amazing dog postcards - deserves all the praise it has earned, including the compiler's own enthusiastic words. The photographs themselves form a true treasure trove that can't help but enchant dog lovers and fans of Victorian photography. There is more, however, that makes this book so good. For starters, Libby Hall contributes a brief and egoless Introduction - how she started this collection, what it means to her, and why she wants to share it. Perfect. Then there are the postcards, reproduced in their original sepia tones, and captionless - as they should be.

What about the dogs? Hardly a leash on these dogs (I counted only two). The dogs sit on tables, chairs, laps, in baby carriages. In one card, a little boy sits on his dog. Women with their dogs. Men in a group, with a dog. Embarrassment of riches: one man poses beside his wife and dog, with his parrot on his shoulder. The canine faces stay with you for a long time. This is a gem of a book. It's always a real treat when a collector can curate well, too. The simple act of restraint - of not captioning these photographs, which wisely enables the viewer to wordlessly experience these dogs and people - transforms this sweet and humble collection into something great.

Little Dog Lost...but now is FOUND. These Victorian photographs haven't been viewed for 100 years. When I was looking at them I felt like these little dogs were lost and I had found them in Libby Hall's book and they live on. Every page has a wonderful, beloved, beautiful dog who's face is saying "love me". I have several Victorian photo and ephemera books but "Libby Hall's Prince" is the one to get! Don't pass on this book!

I like the way this book is presented, too. The photographs fit the pages. There isn't much commentary, just the fascinating photographs. I thank Libby Hall for putting this book together and I hope that if she finds more photographs that she won't hesitate to do another book. She has preserved these photos for all to see and they will be cherished.

This handsomely mounted compilation is perfect of its kind. What we have here are images of mutual devotion--dogs and owners--that also neatly capture their respective eras. Ms. Hall's collection is a joy to repeatedly visit and has delighted everyone with whom I've shared it. It is, moreover, not simply for dog lovers; it's enough to have the "old photograph fancy," because every picture here tells a rich tale and has great period detail. Nevertheless, doggie people--and, in particular, the host of Jack Russell Terrier folk--will cherish this book for a lifetime. (Many of the pictures in this collection are of Jacks of every body type and coat. And one of Ms. Hall's old pictures captures what I am, ah, certain is a British ancestor of my own fuzzy Jack.) I predict "Prince: And Other Dogs..." will be in print for a long, long time; those fortunate enough to discover it will buy numerous copies and hand them out liberally. Finally, Prince and Other Dogs is a fabulous bargain, attractively bound, fitting nicely in the hand, with photographs lovingly reproduced on heavy paper. An ideal gift.

This is a beautiful and heart-stirring little book of dogs and their people. The love for one's dog is not bound by century nor time. We have a common thread with these "strangers" from the past: we all love our dogs. I do the same thing with my dog! I pose with her, sit next to her, kiss her--all for the camera. This is a book to leave not on your shelf but out on the coffee table to share with everyone! It is a simple book--all photos, no text. I like it that way. This allows the photos to speak to you. I find myself picking up the book time-and-again and meditating on each picture. Wondering what the dog's name was, the person's name. How long did they live? Where are they from? I look at their clothes and the expressions on the dog's and person's face. They all have a story. I look at the dog's cute little body and dirty little paws and wonder how many steps those paws walked. Then I look over at my own dog sleeping peacefully and my heart swells with love. This is a gem of a book for any dog lover or lover of photos from the past. Simply lovely!

Each photograph warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face! This is the absolute best book of dog photographs I have ever seen.The book is full of old studio photographs of dogs, sometimes together with family members,no captions added. The dogs shown in the book were obviously much-loved members of their families. There is also a second book now: PRINCE II (which is just as good as this first book).

I love this book. The book's size and its photographs are all perfectly charming. It's almost impossible to pick out any personal favorites of the black and white photos. In these photos, taken between 1850 and 1940, are dogs and their people. Some are just dogs. Most are posed; most are staring straight at the camera; most are beautiful. The photos are taken from Libby Hall's sizeable collection; she considers them "a tribute to the special relationship there is -- and has been for tens of thousands of years -- between people and dogs." Prince is sure to please and charm all dog lovers, and it might just convert non-dog people, too. Who could resist the looks on these dogs' -- and their people's-- faces? Prince and Other Dogs is ultimately about everyday life: friendship, family, and love. I can't recommend it highly enough.

If you love dogs and pictures of dogs, you'll love this. It's one I keep by my bed to relax me for a short rest or nap.

This is the only book that stays constantly on my coffee table. Everytime I look at it, I see something different that I missed before. There's obvious affection in so many of these photos and they are heart warming. For dog lovers, it's a must have!

This is a surprise birthday present for my husband. It arrived in a timely fashion and in good shape. Thanks.