German
EnglishFrom the USA: A review from Christianes latest book "Horse: A Portrait" by Laurel Johnson for Midwest Book Review
Incredible. Stunning. Breathtaking. Such superlatives came to mind at my first view of the book’s cover; the narrative and photos inside this amazing book left me speechless. Ms. Slawik is an award winning photo-journalist. On viewing her photos, even an untrained eye like mine can see her awards are well-deserved. She captures light and shadows, action and stillness, bringing such richness to her subjects that they seem to jump off the page. Her narratives are beautifully written, intimately sharing majestic breeds and exotic locations with readers, capturing the magnificence and spirit of horses through words and pictures.
Ms. Slawik travels the world in search of the perfect horse, the ideal setting, the precise play of light and shadow. She waits patiently for her subject to show its true self, then captures that personality as it poses and plays. Show horses “unfold their true selves like a butterfly” in Baroque Dressage. Friesians in Bavaria cavort through sand and meadow, demonstrating clearly why man has loved horses since ancient times. Arabians, those primal purebreds that live in our imaginations, live and thrive in the shadow of the Pyramids. She captures ponies and horses racing joyously through fields of poppies in Germany and dancing through waves along the seashore. Huge, heavy draft horses scamper, gallop, and play like foals. Spotted Norikers, the equine version of the Dalmation, were a new breed to me, as were the Hungarian Kisberi with their ancient bloodlines.
This book is perfection. It’s a must have for horse lovers, the ultimate coffee table book and addition to any library. Even readers who have never seen a horse close up will be enthralled and enlightened by this book. In a modern world beset with anxiety and war, one species continues to serve man with spirit and devotion: the horse. This book is highly recommended to all age groups and is the best gift you could possibly give yourself or others.
Review by Laurel Johnson for Midwest Book Review