Succulents: Nature's Sculptural Wonders [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Bela Kalman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2001

Turning his exceptional eye to some of nature's most unique creations, acclaimed photographer Bela Kalman has created in Succulents a photographic work that is at once striking, otherworldly, surprising, virtually three-dimensional, and nothing short of spectacular. Every photograph in this dynamic book is set against a rich black background, which captures the many textural, sensual, and sculptural qualities of these unusual plants. The variety is staggering: some look like golf balls lightly dusted with moss, and some resemble an Art Deco skyscraper; some have antlerlike growths, while others could pass for a plate of fresh spinach linguine or a model of a spacecraft from another planet. Their vernacular names are no less colorful: Greater Dumplin', Baby Toes, Mexican Old-Man, Brain Cactus, Tiger Chaps, and Cats Jaw. With an introduction and witty, informative captions by noted succulent authority Steven Hammer, Succulents not only identifies each of the 120 exotic plants within, but also reveals their unique characteristics and intriguing artfulness.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bela Kalman's highly acclaimed work is represented in numerous museum collections and has been published in many magazines and books. His groundbreaking work in Flowers and Rare Orchids captured our imagination and provided new perspectives on flowering plants.

Text by Steven Hammer.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (May 18, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847823334
• ISBN-13: 978-0847823338
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #858,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Coffee Table Book of Succulents, May 25, 2007

By 

Danette M. Laucks "DaMama" (Red Lion, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Succulents: Nature's Sculptural Wonders (Hardcover)

This wasn't exactly the type of book I was looking for (I wanted a "how to" type), but I have to give it five stars for what it is. The photography is amazing! If you know someone who enjoys growing succulents, this would make a great gift.

18 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Work of Art, May 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Succulents: Nature's Sculptural Wonders (Hardcover)

There's photography, and then there's art. This book is a work of art. The sleek, simple design perfectly complements the perfect images. Never before have I seen nature captured in a collection as sophisticated as this.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best close ups of succulents I have ever seen !, April 14, 2010

By 

Mev Mm Grobbelaar "Marix" (South Africa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Succulents: Nature's Sculptural Wonders (Hardcover)

This book is a wonder in itself. I have bought a copy in South Africa. Now the book is not available anymore. What a pity!!!!!! The photographer did excellent work. The book design is mainly with black background pages, which form the best frames for these exquisite photos. It is a visual feast!!!!!!! The best I have EVER SEEN!!!!!!!