The Mediterranean Cat

Rating:
Summary: Animal lovers should be aware of the plight of these animals
Review: All of Hans Silvester's photography books of cats, dogs & kittens in the Greek Cyclades Islands are lovely examples of fine photography. As a fine art photographer myself, I respect Mr. Silvester's level of skill and artistry, and I find his other books very beautiful.

However, when I first became aware of his books about cats and dogs, I was thoroughly dismayed by his choice of subject matter and the way he has chosen to portray the lives of these creatures as idyllic and carefree.

Having been to these Greek islands, I have learned firsthand that the large majority of these poor animals are ignored, injured, or mistreated by people there-anything but "respected." The photographer has omitted portraits of the true conditions for most of the stray dogs and cats in Greece-crippled, starving, dying of thirst, hurt or maimed, with the humans around them barely taking notice.

The full horror of the story was later revealed to me by locals on the islands. Each year, the cats & dogs are allowed to breed uncontrolled, because tourists are fond of seeing the cute animals around town and on the beaches. At the end of each tourist season, as many of them as possible are rounded up and killed (I couldn't bear to learn exactly how), until the following year when the ones that survived begin the cycle all over again. I found this same story on all the islands I visited, including Mykonos, and I was so appalled that I shortened by stay and left Greece altogether.

The situation is a tragedy, and my feeling as a photographer and animal lover, is that Mr. Silvester should not be misrepresenting the condition of the cats and dogs on these Greek islands, especially when it is for monetary gain. I hope animal lovers around the world will agree, and send a message to anyone who profits in any way from the suffering of these dogs and cats in the sun.

Rating:
Summary: Finally: Cats that aren't just CUTE!
Review: I love the Mediterranean Cat. It continues this photographer's outstanding work already known from "Cats in the Sun". I have traveled to Greece many times and Silvester manages to show this country's eternal connection between the cats, the light, and the colors that I, too, have found so irresistable. Another reason I love Silvester's books is how he is able to avoid stereotype cat pictures. I love cats, but I hate how photographs usually show cats in "cute" situations. Silvester's cats are grown-up, independent, strong. Not much "cute" here, but a lot of respect, admiration and understanding for these beautiful animals. A tip: Also try "Cats in the Sun" - I find it even better than the Mediterranean Cat...

Rating:
Summary: Finally: Cats that aren't just CUTE!
Review: I love the Mediterranean Cat. It continues this photographer's outstanding work already known from "Cats in the Sun". I have traveled to Greece many times and Silvester manages to show this country's eternal connection between the cats, the light, and the colors that I, too, have found so irresistable. Another reason I love Silvester's books is how he is able to avoid stereotype cat pictures. I love cats, but I hate how photographs usually show cats in "cute" situations. Silvester's cats are grown-up, independent, strong. Not much "cute" here, but a lot of respect, admiration and understanding for these beautiful animals. A tip: Also try "Cats in the Sun" - I find it even better than the Mediterranean Cat...

Rating:
Summary: The Hellenic Cat
Review: Silvester is the ultimate cat photographer, combining almost breath-taking feline images with the mystique of the Greek isles. His mastery of color, texture, balance and line results in not only soul-satisfying photography but also great art.

After a year with his "Cats in the Sun" calendar, I'm looking for the year 2000 edition. Does it exist?

Rating:
Summary: Animal lovers should be aware of the plight of these animals
Review: You don't have to like cats to adore these creatures, although if you do, you will fall immediately in love. Hans Silvester is a master at his craft and this book showcases his artistry to the nth degree. The contrast of the neutral colored fur of the felines and the pastel washes of the building backdrops, tie together in a flash of eyecolor that makes for breathtaking images.

Silvester's use of lighting, color, camera angles - and obvious patience - illuminates the personalities of this secret society. The photographs make one feel like an anthropologist eavesdropping unseen on their world.

This volume will satisfy those who admire cats, art, photography, the Mediterranean, architecture; or those who simply like to escape to a new world for a time.

Rating:
Summary: Stunning Composition and Subject!
Review: You don't have to like cats to adore these creatures, although if you do, you will fall immediately in love. Hans Silvester is a master at his craft and this book showcases his artistry to the nth degree. The contrast of the neutral colored fur of the felines and the pastel washes of the building backdrops, tie together in a flash of eyecolor that makes for breathtaking images.

Silvester's use of lighting, color, camera angles - and obvious patience - illuminates the personalities of this secret society. The photographs make one feel like an anthropologist eavesdropping unseen on their world.

This volume will satisfy those who admire cats, art, photography, the Mediterranean, architecture; or those who simply like to escape to a new world for a time.