These Were Our Dogs

by Libby Hall

With settings ranging from American mining towns to stately British homes to rural Japan, and a cast of characters including princesses, cowboys, clergymen, actresses, toddlers, and octogenarians, more than 250 antique photographs of dogs and their owners are published here for the first time in this enchanting collection. While most portraits are amusing, charming, or beautiful, others are rare gems, among them an 1871 image of Queen Victoria’s personal servant with four of her favorite canines. Captivating and original, this is a fascinating insight into the origins of the art of photography, a social record of a bygone era, and a testimony to the timeless relationship between dog and man.

Genres: Dogs

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2007

Reviews

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great book to look through. Libby has been collecting old photographs for more than 40 years and great to have the fruit of her effort. Great coffee table type book and would make a great gift.

When I see a picture of a dog it makes me smile. The dogs themselves have a 'now' quality to them as a dog from over one hundred years ago looks the same as today. I seem to get a feeling of the now from the dog in the picture, like it is a stand-in as if the me now was in that same setting. While I think the same old photo's would still be interesting, I also think the dog adds that additional friendly feel as we also look at the clothing styles, the ancient cars, the people, famous and common.

Other than a Forward, there is little text through the book other than the country or area, and any note written on the back of the picture. The pictures just speak for themselves.

My favorites are; the cowboy wearing chaps with his dog and his guns, the one from Japan with his cart and dogs tied to the cart perhaps to help pull it, the St. Bernard's in the Alps, and the British men with their dogs in India.

What is dangerous to me is a listing of 16 books of dog pictures referenced in the end that includes f her other similar books starting with 'Prince and Others.' I got enough books now but added them to my list, and found I already own 2 of them on that list, and then after research I ordered My Dog Rinty by Ellen Tarry, Marie Hall Ets, Alexander Alland (Illustrator), Alexandra Alland (Illustrator).

I would advise my dog lovers to find a copy to pick up and browse through it or get a copy to have ready to show others.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love old photos! They just look damn cool and give a glimpse of a world I'll never know. Add dogs into those photos? Even cooler! Check it out!

[Mary Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

For lovers of dogs and lovers of old photographs, this book is a treasure. Engage in a gorgeous time travel back to when photography first began and photographers began to take casual and important day moments recorded by. Such a joy to spend time with this awesome collection. I highly recommend it.

[Justwinter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love looking at photographs of animals with other people. It's fascinating to see which photos will resonate with a particular person and for what reason.

For me, I found pgs 40, 47, 56, 65, 89, 95, 99, 105, 112, 123, 141 (middle top American & bottom left European)& 151 to be particularly tuggsome on the heart.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of many dogs in art books I gave myself for Christmas -- filled with the author's collection of postcards and photos she has found through the years. Not much to read but the photos are easy and fun to see.