Rating: 
Summary: a glimpse of the real alaska
Review: We bought one and then every visiting and out of state relative that sees it wants their own copy. Hell of a christmas gift for the coffee table. I've only had my copy for 2 months and it's abused . Everyone that sits in the living room wants to browse it. The pictures show a realness that can only be bested by being on scene in person.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular Alaska
Review: When you first look through John Pezzenti's ALASKA, you will see that it is clearly the most incredible photographic book on Alaska ever published. There are dozens of photographs of things that have simply never even been seen by most people, much less published in a book. The volcano clouds, ice mushrooms and eagles being born will blow away anyone who has spent much time in the field and knows how impossible it is to ever witness events such as these. John has not only witnessed them; he has also managed to capture fantastic images of them to share with the rest of the world. It goes without saying that the rest of the pictures in the book are equally as thrilling. The photography in this book is amazing, but I think the thing that brings me back to it again and again is the writing. Unbelievably, John may even be a better writer than he is a photographer. Although he has only written about 25 pages of text, the stories he tells of his 25 plus years of travelling Alaska will thrill you and keep you on the edge of your seat. John is truly a modern-day adventurer who has lived an amazing life. The introductions by the publisher and Leonard Lee Rue will also give you some insight into just how unique a man John Pezzenti actually is. In his first two columns of text, John has managed to almost completely sum up my feelings about Alaska. John writes about flying over the Alaska Range on a beautiful day. He reaches for his camera and then realizes it would do no good. The "visual extravaganza" of the scene is too spectacular to ever be "captured on film" he writes. He puts his camera down and enjoys the view. This story puts into words what I have been trying to tell my family and friends about Alaska since I moved here 4 ½ years ago. Now, for birthdays and Christmas, I simply send them a copy of John's book and tell them if they read it, they will understand why I have decided to live here in Alaska. At last count, I think I have FedEx'ed at least eight copies of this book to people in the lower 48! John is clearly one of the world's top photographers. In spite of his stature, you would be hard pressed to meet another top professional who is more helpful and gracious to anyone he sees with a camera in their hand. John is more than willing to share any of his skills, talents and a lifetime of experience with anyone who is willing to learn. I consider myself blessed to live in the same city as a person of his talent and not only consider John a good friend, but as my photographic mentor. Thank you for this spectacular lifetime's worth of work. I am looking forward to the next one.
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