Through the Eyes of the Gods: An Aerial Vision of Africa [Hardcover]

Bobby Haas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

This remarkable vision of Africa from the air invites the reader to view this large and varied continent as if an invited guest on a private plane, with a dialogue between the photographer and the viewer. Aerial photography enables the viewer to experience places that are virtually impossible to experience from the ground- terrain that cannot be reached via any other means (whether it is remote stretches of desert, marshy deltas, or other inaccessible habitats or regions).

The images in Through the Eyes of the Gods are reproduced as large double page spreads of 22" by 15," enabling the viewer to absorb the abstract qualities of the images and become absorbed in them. While the images are uniquely beautiful, many also show the fascinating effects of large-scale environmental change on the landscape. From the air, viewers can appreciate the timelessness of the landscape and understand that, if properly preserved, it can remain unspoiled for future generations.

The book is organized around themes that include herds, loners (large individual mammals like elephants and hippos), man and man's impact, water, desert, pathways, and ancient sites. The text essays punctuate the photos, with each exploring themes important to understanding Africa, like the importance of water to the continent, or of man's impact on the land. "Photographer's Notes" also appear throughout the book, intro-ducing the photographer's voice in pieces written by Bobby Haas about his adventures in the field.

Destinations included are:

Southern Africa:

South Africa, Namibia, Botswana

Western Africa: Senegal, Gambia, Morocco, Canary Islands

Northern Africa: Ethiopia, Djibouti

Eastern Africa: Kenya, Tanzania

Coastal Africa: Northern and Southern Indian Ocean

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; 1 edition (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792238826
• ISBN-13: 978-0792238829
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 0.9 x 15.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #892,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly beautiful book, October 8, 2005

By 

Terrence B. Adamson "tadam5264" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Through the Eyes of the Gods: An Aerial Vision of Africa (Hardcover)

Bobby Haas' stunning aerial photographs, the elegant design and superb printing and production, Kuki Gallman's lyrical introduction all make this a spectacular book. Net proceeds from the sale of this book all go dirctly to the National Geographic Society's conservation and expedition programs.

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The images are unique!, October 30, 2005

By 

Mac Maven "Michigan Mac Lover" (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Through the Eyes of the Gods: An Aerial Vision of Africa (Hardcover)

This book was just a feature on The Sunday Morning Show. The views of Africa that this man has captured from a helicoper are very moving. I not only want to own this book I wish I could go to Washington DC and see the exhibit of the original photographs. An exhibition of Robert Haas's photographs can be viewed in National Geographic's M Street Building, October 25, 2005, to January 25, 2006. But if that is not possible buy the book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous Images; Great Gift Item, December 25, 2005

By 

Stefanie "smathew212" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through the Eyes of the Gods: An Aerial Vision of Africa (Hardcover)

I saw Bobby Haas at the National Geographic this fall as he presented these images and launched their exhibition of his work. The images are truly astounding. The landscape and wildlife of Africa have often been captured through gorgeous photography, but I've never seen anything like this. Haas's aerial photography really shows us this remarkable part of the world from a whole new angle. He was a great lecturer, too, very enthusiastic and filled with exciting tales of his adventures. The book is beautiful and it made a great Christmas gift for my parents, who have traveled extensively in Africa and loved seeing places they had visited in such a new way.