Visions of Paradise

by National Geographic Society

The photographers at National Geographic—some of the most peripatetic and adventurous people on Earth—reveal wonders of nature so uniquely beautiful that we’re filled with hope and inspiration to celebrate and protect the world’s environments. Visions of Paradise is the magnificent result of their work. Through breathtaking images from across the globe, and stories as exquisite as the glance of a leopard seal, these men and women share the places they have personally found to be Heaven on Earth. Explore stunning re-naturalized habitats in New Zealand with Brian Skerry, share the thrilling sight of an undiscovered waterfall with Stephen Alvarez, enjoy the refreshing cover of a Congo jungle with Nick Nichols, and spot the most beautiful butterfly in Borneo with Tim Laman—to name just a few. Swim with penguins beneath Antarctic ice, rest on a leaf with a dragonfly, follow the tracks of dinosaurs…and know, that every beautiful sight that meets your eyes is a precious paradise worth preserving a special place that feels like Heaven on Earth.

Visions of Paradise is the next bestselling gift photography book in the tradition of National Geographic’s Through the Lens, In Focus, Wide Angle, and Work. Surprising, life-affirming, and visually breathtaking, Visions of Paradise is for everyone who enjoys great photography and values the stunning natural wonder and diversity of our Earth.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction, Nature, Travel, Reference

304 pages, Unknown Binding

First published October 21, 2008

About the author

The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

Reviews

[Kathleen Messmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a National Geographic book, I expected the images to be fabulous. They were merely ok. Many, if not most, were out of focus and looked like snapshots that anyone could take without much effort. Mediocrity and National Geographic just don't seem to fit together. It seems I was wrong this time.

[Prem · Rating 4 out of 5]

National Geographic produces great photographs year after year & their biggest asset NG Photographers share their Visions of Paradise through their photographs in this photo book. The book is diveded into 4 sections Earth, Water, Air & Photographer bios. Each section has number of photos both visually stunning & mere snapshots. This book reinforces how great planet earth as a place to live & its biodiversity. It is previlege to view the far & wide landscapes which are not easily accessible in beautifully composed photos. The books aspect ratio is almost squarish all the photos look great in this one page spread & extended 2 page spread. The view points of paradise from different perspective is quite vast. Glad to have picked this book for reading.

[Lenore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apt title!

[Russell Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful NG look at the places that speak most deeply to them. Not just a typical waterfalls and sunsets book. I have always appreciated NG's willingness to use and appreciated photographs of an edgier more interpretive nature of the places they send their photographers.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of photos and reflections by photographers on their definitions of "paradise."

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was okay, but my three-year-old daughter was enthralled, especially with the "Water" section.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really made me think about travel and where I should go in life.

[Gina Whitlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful coffee table book by National Geographic. Photographs can tell a great story.