Not being able to see, touch and page through a book often presents a problem if you want to purchase a book online. It is even more of a worry if the book uses something that is as subjective as photography, and the emotions that is created by it, to portray its messageIn the case of this particular book, I neednt have worried!
Never before have I seen a book with such a huge amount of absolutely brilliant photography! The printing is of an outstanding quality, as is the paper and overall quality of the book and its binding. There are quite a few double page spreads (seamlessly bound), and in a large format book such as this, it is the next best thing to being there in real life. Fred Hirschmanns photography is a joy to behold. When he does use the odd filter in his photographs, he uses it with the utmost subtlety; so all the photos are a representation of nature in her natural beauty and splendour. The essays that introduce each of the twelve regions of the USA is very informative, but I would suggest reading something like "Discover America: The Smithsonian book of the National Parks" by Charles E. Little, if the reader wants more historical information.
The front inlay states the following: "America is a word that swells the heart with pride, a word that means freedom, a word that brings visitors and new residents to its shores, a word that calls its citizens home from around the world." This book illustrates why, and after reading this book, I must say that I agree with these words. It almost makes me feel the same way, and Im not even an US Citizen, nor have I been to the USA!
The book is an absolute visual tour-de-force, and I would recommend it highly!
