Book Reviews | Shutterbug

By C.A. Boylan • Posted: May 1, 2004

Extraordinary Pigeons; by Stephen Green-Armytage; Abrams, 115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011; hard cover; 112 pages; $24.95; (ISBN 0-8109-4630-0)
Who would have considered a pigeon an exotic bird? It may seem outrageous, but that is because there is a lot that we don't understand and Stephen Green-Armytage is here to educate us. His book provides nearly 200 color images that feature pigeons from all over the world. Many are domestic birds that have been bred to sport such characteristics as a tiny beak, curly feathers, elongated bodies, enormous eyes, and extremely long necks. Nature has also concocted many species that are equally bizarre and beautiful which makes this title as interesting as it is enlightening.

Buddha; by Jon Ortner, with sayings of The Buddha; introduction by Jack Kornfield; Welcome Books, 6 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011; hard cover; 240 pages; $29.95; (ISBN 0-941807-28-2)
Buddhist teachings have inspired wondrous works, resulting in an abundance of magnificent temples and statues clad in shimmering gold. Ortner's travels have allowed him to document some of these masterpieces and his collection of 175 images has been transformed into a lush tome embellished in gold and clad in shades of yellow, orange, and red. The images are paired with verses from The Dhammapada that provide the reader with a deeper appreciation for the teachings of Buddha.

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: 48 Hours Of Flight; by Jim Jamieson; ImageStream Press, 8339 Carriage Hill Alcove, Savage, MN 55378; soft cover; 104 pages; $22.95; (ISBN 0-9729126-0-6)
Bosque del Apache receives thousands of visitors each year and photographer/author Jim Jamieson reveals the secret behind their devoted fascination in the pages of his book. Many nature photographer's have a passion for birds and this wildlife refuge in New Mexico has earned a reputation as being the perfect location to capture a wide variety of magnificent species in their natural habitat. His stunning collection of 106 color images with informative captions is as beautiful as is educational.