Rating: 
Summary: this is one beautiful book
Review: I just received this book and wow is just about all i can say. incredible photos. i'm ordering another as a birthday present.
Rating: 
Summary: less National Geographic than Propoganda
Review: While the photography is breathtaking I could do without the descriptions that accompany the photos; all of which are less educational than condescending to the book's Western audience.
Today's excerpt:
Photo is of a basilica in Yamoussoukro (the capital city) of Ivory Coast
"Having begun as a potentate's fancy, it (Yamoussoukro) may become a true metropolis. The masters always feel a slight fear before the masses of the disenfranchised, and choose to transfer their administration and court to a calm place where they can forget the wretchedness of their subjects. Such is the story of Versailles, Potsdam, Washington and Canberra."
Still like the pictures though; )
Rating:
Summary: World's beauty vs. some of the factual realities
Review: This unusual book lets you select your worldview by looking either to the left or to the right. The images on the left-hand pages are shockingly beautiful views of the surface of the earth from about 100 feet above. Images are often more abstract and graphic than one would expect. The right side pages are only text, often telling the stories of poverty, overpopulation and environmental contamination. Both are legitimate views of the same place. For me, and I expect for many readers, the message is clear: address the issues presented in the text or loose the beautiful world of the photographs.The photographic and printing quality are unusual good for a book of this limited price. The format is fairly small, but large enough to enjoy. Unfortunately the binding is on the short edge of this 2 plus inch thick book, making handling difficult and possibly leading to early binding failure. I have given this book as a gift a number of times and it has been well received.
Rating:
Summary: A FEAST OF KNOWLEDGE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Review: Hours of guaranteed pleasure for anyone who can never have enough new insights about our earth, loves photography and is thrilled with geography. Readers of all ages will find this a delight.
Rating:
Summary: I need more stars.
Review: An awesome work of photography together with short, thought-provoking background essays for the pictures. Who knew the world was this beautiful and varied? Simply amazing!
Rating:
Summary: A Must Have
Review: This is by far one the best pictorial books ever. I had the opportunity to buy my first copy at an exposition in Denmark and now I am buying them for gifts. For a most detailed view of the world from above and the story behind the author you could not get a better quality book. Definitely a 'keeper' for all your family and guests to enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: a stunning visual odyssey
Review: i bought this book because i'd seen many postcards with the photographer's images all over the place. i found these postcards to be both thought provoking and eyecatching. they caused me to rethink about how i thought of the world as well as inspired my wanderlust. the book is even better. it's full with page after page of images. well laid out with informative captions. even better, the author has a point of view and is using the images effectively. his thoughts on how we affect the world around us as well as are affected by it ourselves is both interesting and insightful. however, if you just want to look at pretty pictures and think about where you're going to go next, this would serve that purpose as well. from a production standpoint, the pictures are clear and well printed. the paper used is a nice heavy weight and seems like it will hold up to repeated viewings. the book weighs a lot, so be prepared for back strain...
Rating:
Summary: A book of hope
Review: Arthus-Bertrand's photos show the awesome beauty and sometimes strange artistry of nature in ways you've probably never seen before. These breathtaking shots of landforms, natural phenomena, and--in some cases--mankind's additions to the scene, show that even after we humans manage to remove ourselves from the picture through violence and war, the earth itself will still go on in exquisite beauty. Perhaps that realization should give us hope, or at the very least, a desire to honor this planet by waging peace.
Rating:
Summary: The state of planet Earth
Review: This book is a jewel. In my opinion, everyone should have a copy of this book at home.
I first saw Yann Arthus Bertrand work during an outdoor exhibit in Paris. I was fascinated with the photos, and the next day I ran to buy the book (although some people to whom I have recommended it find it rather expensive).
Certainly, the photos are sensational, but that is hardly the point. Yann is a true citizen of the world, and represents globalisation in its 'kindest' -and most 'useful' form, if I'm allowed the expression.
In this book, Yann Arthus shows us that earth is sick. Whether it is the Amazon rainforests, Alaska, Africa or Australia, clear signs of decomposition appear in the photos. This book is a waking call for many of us, however, at the same time it reminds us how beautiful is everything around us, and how rich is this planet we live in.
Rating:
Summary: Sweeeeeeeet
Review: I flipped through this book at ..., and I couldn't put it down. I couldn't buy it, either. :( As I said, it's sweeeeeet! Why? The photography. Just check out the front cover! There's more where that came from!
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