Galen Rowell: A Retrospective

by Galen A. Rowell, Sierra Club Books (Compiler), Robert Roper (Introduction)

Galen Rowell was the archetypal adventure photographer, his iconic images published in leading magazines and scores of books, exhibited in major galleries, and cherished by fans ranging from the Dalai Lama to news anchor Tom Brokaw. When he and his wife and business partner, Barbara Cushman Rowell, perished in a small-plane crash in 2002, he had just completed a landmark assignment for National Geographic and had begun making stunning new images of his favorite old haunts in the Sierra Nevada.
Fortunately for us, his productivity was immense and his photographs eticulously archived, making possible this first and only comprehensive retrospective of his work. It includes more than 175 images representing all phases and dimensions of Rowell’s singular career, chosen by the editors with whom he worked most closely, overseen by his family and studio colleagues, and reproduced to the highest standards of lithography from digital masters of his 35mm frames. Complementing and illuminating the pictures are essays and commentaries by Rowell’s friends and associates from the worlds of mountaineering, conservation, photography, and publishing, along with an in-depth biographical introduction by Robert Roper and an appreciation of his work by photography critic Andy Grundberg.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction, Nature, Adventure

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Galen Avery Rowell (August 23, 1940 – August 11, 2002) was a wilderness photographer, adventure photojournalist and mountaineer. Born in Oakland, California, he became a full-time photographer in 1972.

Reviews

[Javier Vazquez]

People that knew Galen share their thoughts on his life and work. This book covers his photography from all over the world. Excellent!

[Kyle]

I realized I had this book on my shelf for a long time but never finished reading it. I took it down off the shelf a few days ago and committed to reading the whole thing. Today I finished it.

This was a really interesting book about a great adventurer and photographer. Inspiring photography and stories about his adventures. It made me think a lot about my own adventures and photography and how my outdoor life and adventures feeds into my photography. If you enjoy nature you should check this book out.

[Brian]

Take a look if you're a Galen Rowell fan. An excellent selection of his photographs from the 1970's to the early 2000's combined with interesting essays regarding his methods and impact on outdoor photography.

[Keenan Crone]

Didn't know much about Galen Rowell but after reading this I am a fan.

[Sonja Sullivan]

This book is not so much to be read as to be savored. His photographs are beyond beautiful. You would almost think that he manipulates his film and filters, except that every once in awhile we all have seen such otherworldly colors and views so we know it is actually true. What a world we have been given the privilege of living in !

[Bruce]

This is a nice presentation of essays authored by people close to Galen Rowell in combination with many of his photos. I found it interesting to read the common themes and occasional unique view of Galen, his physical abilities and his evolution from mechanic to adventure photographer to conservationist. It's a nice addition to my shelf of Rowell books.

[Huw Thomas]

The most wonderful photographic book I have seen - amazing photos - wonderful colours, great text - just savour every picture, the natural beauty of wonderful landscapes. Dip into it often and enjoy the wonders of isolated mountainous landscapes all over the world. What a legacy Galen has left.

Something everyone should own!

[John Orman]

Rowell, who died with his wife in a 2002 plane crash, has his career of adventure and scenic photography on bold display here. One essay calls him the Light Traveler, and the stunning use of light is evident in every photo.

To the Ends of the Earth is where Galen went, alright. A Visionary Landscape is what I see in every photo.

[Becca]

Incredible photos!!!

[Monica]

Another photography book which doesn't qualify as reading, but it's wonderful to view.