Survivors: A New Vision of Endangered Wildlife [Hardcover]

James Balog (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1990

Cheetah, gorilla, panda, bear, elephant, rhinoceros--all are seriously threatened by the wave of extinction sweeping through the world today. These and other animals portrayed here are among the few remaining members of their species. The portraits were created in surreal and unnatural environments, giving startling and haunting impressions, and each is accompanied by information about the individual animal. Full-color photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

According to photographer Balog, the future for the survivors of some 900 currently endangered species will be captivity, "the twilight zone of zoos." His striking, artfully manipulated portraits call attention to that sad possibility by posing animals far from their native habitats and contexts, and by using the techniques and slick concepts of commercial photography. Each subject receives "star" treatment: an Asian elephant assumes a cheesecake position poolside; a mandrill sitting on a stool looks like an invention of Vogue . Accompanying each shot is information on the animal. The very artificiality of Balog's backdrops--white screens, painted walls, complex theatrical sets--eloquently emphasizes what the elegant creatures may soon lose: their natures. The spectacle of this is jarring; yet one can't help but giggle at the sight of a sea turtle belly-up on a cushion or the fearlessly close-up view of a rhino's rear.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This book represents award-winning photographer Balog's nontraditional look at wildlife and the impact humanity has had on other species. In an attempt to contrast our illusions of animals' living an idyllic existence "surrounded by glorious vistas, exquisite plant life, and technicolor sunsets" with their real future in zoos and circuses, he portrays 60 endangered species in surreal and unnatural environments. While patrons with an appreciation for photography as an art might enjoy these portraits, others may get bored with pictures of animals draped in white sheets. The brief text accompanying each photo provides little information of value. Although not recommended for public libraries or general readers, this volume may interest specialized libraries with an in-depth collection of photography books.
- Edell Marie Peters, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Harry N Abrams; 1St Edition edition (November 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810939088
• ISBN-13: 978-0810939080
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 10.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #523,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars No cutsey stuff here.Amazing, glorious, provacative., November 12, 2008

By 

Judith Myers "JUDY-OH" (Taos, NM) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Survivors: A New Vision of Endangered Wildlife (Hardcover)

This is not a picture book for those who enjoy photos of cats in sinks. It is for people who want to be touched, deeply moved, and have a greater relationship with those creatures that have been called "another nation". The photos are heart-stoping, beautiful, incredible. They are done by a photograher who deeply reveres his subjects. You see into the depths of the animals, and in so doing, know that we are truly all one and that we share our earth with creatures who are every bit as wondrous as we are.