Wildlife Photographer of the Year: 50 Years, edited by Rosamund Kidman Cox (Firefly Books, 252 pages) $49.95.
Every year the top wildlife images are selected by a panel of judges to determine the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
A competition that began in 1965 continues to draw the very best photographs from around the world. The top 100 images are exhibited worldwide after first appearing at the Natural History Museum in London.
Fifty years worth of photos to select from has resulted in a spectacular collection that has been presented in this stunning book. Instead of a straight chronological presentation, the editor has selected themes to link the photographs, such as aerial viewpoints or underwater images. Within those topics it is possible to see the evolution of different photographic approaches.
To have one photograph chosen to appear in this book is impressive, but there are a number of photographers, such as Vincent Munier, Erlend Haarberg and Jim Brandenburg, who have multiple images included.
From the tiniest shrimp on the ocean floor to a polar bear poised alongside an Arctic fox against a vast ice wilderness, we are given the chance to see into many unique areas where nature has been free from man's influence. The talent and perseverance of these photographers have resulted in breathtaking looks at the natural world, and remind us how important it is to protect these spaces and species.
