The Nature of Dogs

By Mary Ludington

In The Nature of Dogs , Mary Ludington seeks to capture the true nature of dogs -- their beauty, character, and spirit. Any dog owner will tell you that there is a profound and mysterious connection between humans and their dogs. Our regard for these creatures undeniably runs deeper than mere gratitude for companionship: we respect the unknowable aspect of their natures and understand that at least a part of their true spirit resides outside the human sphere. Though they hunger for our affection, our pets are often most themselves in their natural habitat. Mary Ludington's spectacular and sensitive photographs reflect this understanding, capturing the particular personalities of sixty different breeds, from the handsome and feisty Irish Terrier to the exuberant and hardy Labrador Retriever; from the sleek, high-stepping Italian Greyhound to the snub-nosed, princely Pug. Ludington has her subjects roam outdoors, observing quietly and letting the dogs dictate her shots. The striking collection of more than one hundred twenty-five photographs that results from this natural approach offers us a glimpse of the dogs in their element -- whether caught midstride or in an hour of well-earned repose. Of course, as Patricia Hampl notes in her foreword, though we may find ourselves drawn to a certain breed's characteristics, our love for dogs inevitably becomes deeply specific; a dog is an individual, not a bloodline. "There is only one dog," she writes, "mine...or of course, yours." This intense relationship between pet and owner is reflected in the set of original, personal essays that accompanies Ludington's photographs. The contributing writers include: JAMES HILLMAN , renowned psychologist and prolific author MARY GAITSKILL , National Book Award finalist TEMPLE GRANDIN , PhD in animal science and spokeswoman for the welfare of animals KEVIN KLING , playwright, humorist, and regular contributor to All Things Considered WINONA LADUKE , Native American environmental activist and two-time vice-presidential candidate PETER TRACHTENBERG , poet, essayist, and short-story writer Their personal perspectives combine to create a narrative that addresses the nature of the species we call "man's best friend" in a volume you will treasure for years to come.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416542876
• ISBN13: 9781416542872
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 3.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.9" x 11.3"

Customer Reviews

A Basset (and Brittany) Lover in MN

I bought this book at a dog show today and it is absolutely wonderful! The pictures are breathtaking and Mary is one of the nicest people I know! Someday I want her to photograph my dogs as I know they will be the best of any photos I've ever had taken. Her talent is amazing. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!

I knew it would be good...but not this good.

Mary Ludington is one of those rare brilliant supernovas that one waits a lifetime to witness. In this book, it isn't just her soul-stopping photography, or her ability to assemble writers who put into words what cannot be put into words, it's what happens when they're put side-by-side. It is the unexpected alchemy of the alloy. The sum is greater than even the (great) parts. The essays and the photographs speak to the true animal lover, to the person who understands the unimpeachable heart of dogs. I have to go order another one before they're out.

Best in Show!

This book is exquisite. Any dog lover will be proud to display it on a coffee table or to receive it as a gift. Mary does an incredible job of capturing the essence of each dog's unique personality. I was especially taken with the beauty of the book in both picture and prose. You will love this book!

I'm in love with every dog in The Nature of Dogs

I am in love with this book, and every dog in it. From the Bouvier to the Pharoah Hound, Mary Ludington captures something so special about each dog, on every page. I have bought dog picture books before, usually just for my favorite breed -- but this book is different. It offers precious insights into each dog, why they came about, and what it means to us. And if the stunning photography isn't enough, the essays are amazing. James Hillman's essay has me pondering dogs in our lives, throughout time. Temple Grandin's insights have me thinking differently about how I treat my own pet. Kevin Kling's stories had me laughing through my tears. This book belongs to every lover of dogs. (Meaning, almost everyone I know will be getting this book for Christmas!)

dog lovers--finally a beautiful book that "gets" the noble beauty of the dog

Ms. Ludington's work is simply gorgeous. In the spirit of the beastiary- she looks at dogs, their noble nature, their breed history and their personalities though luscious, painterly portraiture. This is a MUST for the sopisticated dog lover and a perfect gift for anyone who loves a dog (even if that's yourself.)