Sanctuary: Portraits of Rescued Farm Animals

by Sharon Lee Hart (photographer), Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Gene Baur

This first monograph by Lexington-based photographer Sharon Lee Hart is a book of dignified black-and-white portraits of rescued farm animals, accompanied by handwritten stories by sanctuary workers. A lifelong vegetarian, Hart considers farm animals "some of the most abused, overlooked animals on the planet." For this project, she traveled to sanctuaries in Virginia, Florida, Maryland, Michigan and New York State to document "the lucky few who are free to live out their lives in peace." Not surprisingly, after spending time with the animals she discovered that each had its unique personality. "Some are quirky or funny, while others sensitive, shy, playful, intelligent, mischievous, or inquisitive. And all seemed to have complex emotional lives." These characteristics come through in Hart's poignant photographs. Essays are by Karen Davis, president of United Poultry Concerns; Kathy Stevens, founder of the Catskill Animal Sanctuary; and Gene Bauer, founder of Farm Sanctuary.

Genres: Animals, Vegan, Nonfiction

88 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2012

Reviews

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, though I think Ninety-Five: Meeting America's Farmed Animals in Stories and Photographs did it better. Short handwritten animal biographies by sanctuary staff members are paired with artistic photos of the subjects themselves.

The overall effect is the impression that farmed animals are just as vibrant, interesting, emotional and individualistic as our dogs and cats.

The presentation of each animal's story varies in its effectiveness. Some of the authors write eloquently, while others need to re-take a high school creative writing course.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful little book that, despite its size, is more of a coffee table book than a proper reading book. The photographs of animals who live at various sanctuaries are terrific and are added to by people who know/knew these animals, their stories, and their personalities. A handful of essays are also included. What makes this worthwhile, however, is simply the animals themselves!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my copy arrived yesterday, I was already convinced this should get 6 stars, even prior to reading this front-to-back. I was not mistaken. The pictures are SO beautiful, PERFECT black and white balance, well printed, and the stories are so cute and touching.
People who run sanctuaries are true heroes and this photographer is very talented. Very pretty book. Love!!!

[Armand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining if somewhat vapid picture book that introduces the reader to various rescued farm animals. Good to read in the laundry room or while sitting on the toilet.