Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsA Fabulous World of Dogs!
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2011
After looking at the dust jacket photograph of that incredible Puli, I simply HAD to see the rest of the photos. (It should be noted that the hard cover of the book is NOT that same Puli photo...) Many of the photographs on the inside are equally amazing; the Great Dane with the Chihuahua, the fabulous blonde Afghan Hound, the white Poodle, the Bloodhound, the Neopolitan Mastiff, the two Doberman Pinschers, and the black Puli are incredibly beautiful, and such an intimate portrayal of these magnificent animals.
However, as another reviewer noted, I was terribly disappointed by the pictures that seem to be taken from underneath the dog after it had been placed on glass table. It's a photographic gimmick that didn't work for me at all. I was altogether let down by the photos of the dachshund, and can hardly believe that this brilliant photographer was obliged to resort to an underbelly shot. Those photos didn't capture the essence of the tenacious, persistent, intelligent, loyal, funny and fun-loving dachshund at all. (He employed this same technique with the Labradoodle.) Although there were many photos of some dogs, it seemed to me that the inclusion of some of the more commonplace breeds would make the book more enjoyable, as well. For instance, there are no pictures of Irish Setters, a very old breed, and regarded by many to be the most beautiful dogs in the world.
In any event, this book is an magnificent view into the world of dogs. Tim Flach's photography is incredible, and captures the beautiful, comical, serious, endearing quality of his subjects. The text is amazing, too, and discusses the evolution of dogs, the importance of their relationship with humans, as well as current breeding practices.
Very enjoyable, and beautiful, book for every dog lover. Highly recommended!
