Theme Parks Books

CANYONLANDS contains 26 panoramic photographs. These can be folded out to a length of 90 centimeters. The following is my review of a smaller version of this book, by the same author. The smaller book, also called CANYONLANDS, contains photos selected from the larger book.

The photographer, Reiner Sahm, was careful to take the pictures at a time of day that works best for desert landscapes, namely, near sunset. Also, the photographer was careful to exclude tourists from most of the photos.

The great virtue of this book is that it contains scenery that is not much known or not much published. For example, we see Goblin Valley in Utah. Goblin Valley is easy to reach by way of a newly paved road. The road leads right up to a parking lot, and from the lot one can amble down into the valley and mingle among the "goblins." Various parts of Goblin Valley can be seen in the comedic science fiction movie, VISION QUEST. One criticism for the book under review, is that the picture does not show a representative goblin. In other words, from Reiner Sahm's photograph, the reader cannot really tell what is unique about this park. Goblin Valley is reasonably close to Moab. As long as you are visiting Goblin Valley, one should stop at nearby Hanksville, and go inside a supermarket carved out of the inside of a mountain.

Another example of little known, but yet amazing, scenery is Kash-Katuwe Tent Rocks. This park contains black conical things, similar to those found in Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. The black things, chimneys about 30 feet tall, have black cones or hats made of stone.

Yet another little known and little photographed scene is Vermilion Cliffs (Pariah Canyon, the Wave). Although the scene is one of the most unique and amazing in America, you must hike around ten miles to get to it. Moreover, this area was only recently discovered, apparently in the early 1990s.

Reiner Sahm continues his excursion into scenes that are little published--we see Chesler Park. The image of Chesler Park is shown from the meadow side. Colorful spires rise directly from a grassy meadow. The hike from Elephant Hill to Chesler Park is one of the greatest in America. To provide some perspective, the single greatest hike in America is the eleven mile Kalalau Trail on Kauai.

Of course, Reiner Sahm could not resist Monument Valley. And so, this book does contains a photo of Monument Valley. Fortunately, we are spared the usual image of The Mittens, and instead we are shown a more remote part of Monument Valley (Hunts Mesa).

I am greatful for Reiner Sahm's hard work in seeking out a number of awesome spots, e.g., Vermilion Cliffs, Chesler Park, Goblin Valley, and Kasha-Katuwe, that have generally been ignored by other photographers.

This book contains thirteen panoramic photographs, each 20 inches long, and spanning the "gutter" of the book. The photographer, Reiner Sahm, was careful to take the pictures at a time of day that works best for desert landscapes, namely, near sunset. Also, the photographer was careful to exclude tourists from most of the photos.

The great virtue of this book is that it contains scenery that is not much known or not much published. For example, we see Goblin Valley in Utah. Goblin Valley is easy to reach by way of a newly paved road. The road leads right up to a parking lot, and from the lot one can amble down into the valley and mingle among the "goblins." Various parts of Goblin Valley can be seen in the comedic science fiction movie, VISION QUEST. One criticism for the book under review, is that the picture does not show a representative goblin. In other words, from Reiner Sahm's photograph, the reader cannot really tell what is unique about this park. Goblin Valley is reasonably close to Moab. As long as you are visiting Goblin Valley, one should stop at nearby Hanksville, and go inside a supermarket carved out of the inside of a mountain.

Another example of little known, but yet amazing, scenery is Kash-Katuwe Tent Rocks. This park contains black conical things, similar to those found in Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. The black things, chimneys about 30 feet tall, have black cones or hats made of stone.

Yet another little known and little photographed scene is Vermilion Cliffs (Pariah Canyon, the Wave). Although the scene is one of the most unique and amazing in America, you must hike around ten miles to get to it. Moreover, this area was only recently discovered, apparently in the early 1990s.

Reiner Sahm continues his excursion into scenes that are little published--we see Chesler Park. The image of Chesler Park is shown from the meadow side. Colorful spires rise directly from a grassy meadow. The hike from Elephant Hill to Chesler Park is one of the greatest in America. To provide some perspective, the single greatest hike in America is the eleven mile Kalalau Trail on Kauai.

Of course, Reiner Sahm could not resist Monument Valley. And so, this book does contains a photo of Monument Valley. Fortunately, we are spared the usual image of The Mittens, and instead we are shown a more remote part of Monument Valley (Hunts Mesa).

This book is a smaller version of another, larger book by Reiner Sahm. The larger book contains prints that, when folded out, are 90 cm long. The larger book contains 26 images in all, including all of those in the book being reviewed. Thus, anyone with a few extra dollars to spare should buy the larger book, called CANYONLANDS PANORAMIC PHOTOGRAPHY.

I am greatful for Reiner Sahm's hard work in seeking out a number of awesome spots, e.g., Vermilion Cliffs, Chesler Park, Goblin Valley, and Kasha-Katuwe, that have generally been ignored by other photographers.

One can only concur with Jane Goodall when she says that this book is "both beautiful and profoundly disturbing"--partly, because it is, and partly because animals, in themselves, are "both beautiful and profoundly disturbing." Not only are we not altogether certain what it means to be human, but also we are not altogether certain what it means to be animal.

Frank Noelker is an associate professor of art at the University of Connecticut. His photographs of animals in zoos have been widely exhibited in both group and solo exhibitions. The design of the book is simple and straightforward. It says nothing about cameras, lenses, photographic techniques or f-stops. As well, it says almost nothing about Frank. The Forward by Jane Goodall and the Introduction by Nigel Rothfels provide its only text. Each of the fifty photographs bears a simple caption like this one: "Leopard, Tulsa, 2002."

What is most striking, from cover to cover, is the atmosphere of isolation. Nearly every photo shows a single animal in the very center of the picture. One gets the unmistakable feeling that the artist is relentlessly transgressing a fundamental rule of photography. Of course, there are a few exceptions; "Hippopotamus, Washington D.C., 1997" is one.

In this photograph, we see a hippopotamus on the left side of the picture, moving toward the center. In the center, we see a small, narrow and empty rectangle. Despite its great size, the Hippo does not compete with this diminutive symbol of emptiness; rather, he seems to be descending into the depths it represents.

The penguin photograph is another exception. In this photo, we see a penguin slightly off center. In the center, a vertical line, a stain, extends from top to bottom, from heaven to earth (or vice versa). The crucified penguin stands close to this mark, this stain, this hieratic symbol of mystery and sacrifice.

Even the photographs that include more than one animal exude a sense of unalleviated isolation. The two antelopes (the epitome of dignity and resignation) look as if they are quietly waiting for Godot. The baboon mother with its two babies might as well be sitting on the moon. The young baboon walking off to the left already knows everything there is to know about its world.

If, as Ortega y Gasset said, living consists in "having always to do something in order to bear oneself up" in the midst of circumstance, these photos show us something else. Can this be called `living'-when circumstance has been virtually nullified? Where is the "dynamic intricacy binding all things together...the system of relations in which all things are implanted...the "unity by co-implication?" ('Jose Ortega y Gasset's Metaphysical Innovation,' by Antonio Rodriquez Huescar) These animals have no projects and precious little circumstance. Their system of relations is vestigial at best.

Nigel Rothfels writes an excellent introductory essay on the subject of "Animals and Zoos and History." Even though this essay is valuable and well written, one should study the photos first. One should read the text only after an extensive contemplation of these beautiful but unsettling images.

In his essay, Rothfells quotes from a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke: `The Panther: Jardin des Plantes, Paris': "The bars which pass and strike across his gaze/ have stunned his sight: the eyes have lost their hold./ To him it seems there are a thousand bars./ a thousand bars and nothing else. No world."

Well put, Mr. Rilke: "No world!"-and "no dynamic intricacy binding all things together."

The book is sub-titled, `Zoo Portraits.' Nevertheless, these photographs are more than that: they are also portraits of us; they are portraits of human values and human awareness--or the sad lack thereof. There is much to learn from these quiet and unassuming photographs; and much that will be missed-partly because our vision and perception are limited, and partly because life is forever inexhaustible.

And, this wonderful inexhaustibility is the very essence of art.

I was surprised at how captivated I was once I opened the book. in the past, I've don't remember many photographs touching me except for those of Ansel Adams and Gordon Parks, whose images from a half century ago touch me in the new millenium. However Frank Noelker's portraits of zoo animals generated great sadness in me for these animals while at the same time instilling a greater appreciation for the freedoms we humans have, and at this time of desperation both here and abroad, seem too willing to sacrifice. I envy Frank Noelker for his courage. I imagine that to have spent ten years photographing animals at 300 zoos across the world must wear on his soul as well as his soles.

This is a great read for any DC resident; the pictures will certainly delight and amuse and educate!

Having just moved to the area, it's nice to have a little history lesson. The photos are incredible. Things have changed in our neighborhood. Anyone native of DC will love this book and any from the IMAGES of AMERICA series.

This book captures a glimpse of a Camelot era of the California coast. Crystal Cove is an island in time, perhaps where our mothers and fathers cavorted. The books entices the reader on a journey to visit the early California coastal painters and the free lifestyles that they lived. It is beautifully illustrated with images of paintings and the cottages, some no more than shacks, that comprised this community. Long gone are the days of the martini flag and the bugle call for the first drink of the day. No more can the lowly and poor cavort on their private beaches. This is a beautiful walk through time of the best of days along the California coast. Enjoy.

From the dust cover of this beautiful book to the last pages, readers are treated to beautiful photography, copies of lovely paintings, and a narrative about the history of this unique place on the CA coast. The book is divided into time frames starting in 1917 and continuing to 2001. Each segment gives the reader a glimpse into the recent past, of simplier times and the quest for life on the CA seashore. This book is very readable, a feast for the eyes and one that will join my permanent collection of very special books. Suitable for display as a prized coffee table book.

A photomechanical reprint of the 1992 Bowling Green University Press edition, Ferris Wheels: An Illustrated History by Norman Anderson is an informative documentation of the ever-popular amusement park and carnival ride. Guiding reader through its remarkable history, Ferris Wheels reveals George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr.'s most creative and timeless constructions through its over one-hundred and ten year history as a key feature for American carnivals and fairgrounds. Profusely illustrated with historical photographs and line drawn sketches, Ferris Wheels is very highly recommended reading and a welcome addition to personal and community library collections.

This book is the ultimate authority on Ferris Wheels. The history of Ferris Wheels is comprehensive and has copious footnotes. The references go deep. There was one reference that caught my fancy, and after extensive searching, found that it is a reference in one library in England, and shows up no where else! The photographs are good, but not great. An excellent and detailed section on patents related to Ferris Wheels. Anderson has written a super 400+ page reference work. Strongly recommended.

This book is superb. Packed with spectacular photography and interesting essays regarding Mount Desert Island's history, geography, and ecology. The print quality is first rate; kudos to the publisher. A very inspiring volume which reminds us how important it is to have places like Mount Desert Island and Acadia. Highly recommended from a resident of Maine.

I took this book with me last month when our camera club went on a January trip to Acadia National Park. The photography is outstanding and inspirational to say the least! We visited many of the places shown in this book and were able to take wonderful pictures ourselves. This book inspires one to visit Acadia at any time of the year and I highly recommend it to any photographer or persons who are planning a visit to Mount Dessert Island.

A well organised and attractively produced book giving a scholarly account of the history of these magnificent and much loved Gardens. Hampton Court Palace is the finest of English Renaissance gardens and of great importance to any student of horticulture and garden or landscape history.
The avenues and the venerable ancient trees of the parks along with the even older pruned and pleached trees of the formal gardens are among the treasures of the gardens. Along with the newly restored privy garden, the statuary and the architecture these are well illustrated with photos and drawings ancient and modern

Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, Gardens Adviser to Hampton Court Palace and Vice Chairman of the London Historic Parks and Gardens Trust, and photographer Vivian Russell have combined their considerable talents to offer readers, most especially garden enthusiasts, a stunning journal of the gardens and parks at Hampton Court Palace.

Not only is Hampton Court an historic landscape covering 2,000 acres, bounded on its south and east sides by the River Thames, it is also a site of great antiquity indicating that there were settlements in the site dating back to the Bronze Age. However the estate began to form very much as it is seen today in 1086. It was in 1514 that Hampton Court was leased by Cardinal Wolsey, until he became persona non grata at court and was forced to leave by Henry VIII.

As soon as the estate was under his care Henry began a 20 year building, the like of which had not been seen. Since that time various royals have left their marks upon the estate as it has been used as a guest house. Queen Victoria declared that the palace "should be thrown open to all her subjects without restriction, and without fee or gratuity of any kind.." While this order was not deemed wise by many, the palace did become a popular vacation resort.

The gardens were neglected during World War I, but by 1919 improvements were being overseen by a committee of horticultural and landscape garden experts. Since the early 1990s major restoration work has taken place within the palace which has been coordinated with landscape improvements. Today, the estate stands as a "great emblem and monument of English history," and attracts over a million visitors every year.

Thanks to Longstaffe-Gowan and Russell for making it also available to armchair travelers.

- Gail Cooke

In this first volume of "Glaciers Secrets", George Ostrum delights readers with humor, excellent photography, and some very intriguing insight into one of the most beautiful places in the world; Glacier National Park- which he has hiked and explored his entire life. One becomes aware upon reading this book, that there is an emotional connection between the author and his special place. It produces some fun reading, and the adventurous will be prompted to explore the trails of the "Crown of the Continent" for themselves.

This book is thoroughly enjoyable from the first page. Local hero George Ostrom and his trailblazing geezer friends "the Over-the-hill gang", hike to incredibly beautiful places that most of us will never see.

We put this book to the best test.....we bought it for our Brazilian sister-in-law! For under $10, we found Barbara Attell's pocket guide to be INVALUABLE! The information Barbara shares is timeless. You can tell that this author has invested both her heart and her full energy in writting this guide. Unlike the typical mechanical format of "Unofficial Guide to...books", this publication was obviously written on both a deeply personal and objective level. It's more like reading a letter from your sister, who wants to make sure you have a swell time! It's easy reading, informative, and if you, like us, have special needs when you visit Disneyland, you'll want to get this pocket guide before leaving your home. Thank you Barbara!

This is a must-have for everyone who visits Disneyland, or like me, a big fan of the place. I have learned so much more from this book than I have from the others. I recommend this book to everyone.

Entering the abstract and impressionistic world of photographer, William Neill, is a must for all landscape/nature photography nuts! He brings you "up close and personal" to autumn leaves on fire and moss that redefines the color "green",daring you to reach out and touch each and every colorful canvas. I guarantee that if you love landscape photography, but are looking for a book that pushes the boundaries of this genre, look no further...

Have you ever wondered why we don't find color photographs of today as emotion-evoking as the black and white photographs of the great masters like Ansel Adams or Edward Weston? Come and see this book, you will find photographs that will noursih your soul and raise your spirit. Photographs that will speak to yourself. Photographs that you can look at again and again and you will discover newer meanings each time. William Neill, one of the best color photographers of the day, has the mastery of color of Joel Meyerowitz, the love for wildness of Eliot Porter and the sensitivity of Edward Weston. This book is a compilation of 72 of the best color images of the photographer taken during the span of fifeteen years. All the photographs were taken using a 4x5 view camera and has exquisite image detail. At the end of the book, Neill briefly describes each image with background information and technical details. Buy this book and if possible visit one of the galleries like Ansel Adams gallery to view the big size fine art prints of William Neill for even more appreciation. I guarantee after reading this book, you will look at our wild treasures in a new way.