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[(Dogs : Gods)] [By (author) Tim Flach] published on
Based on the magnificent book Dogs by Tim Flach, this calendar features 25 of his compelling portraits of these adored companions. From the exquisite specimens entered in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show to shelter dogs lovingly rescued by volunteers, Tim Flach's images celebrate the astonishing range of color, texture, size, shape, and personality of his furry subjects.
Hardcover
First published October 1, 2010
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About the author
Lewis Blackwell
47 books14 followersLewis Blackwell has worked as a leading author, editor, and creative director in photography, winning international recognition for his talks, exhibitions, and books. Blackwell is the author of the bestselling The Life & Love of Trees, The Life & Love of Cats, The Life & Love of Dogs, and Rainforest.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 15, 2013
A beautiful coffee-table book that will be cherished by anyone who loves the four-legged friends of humanity. It contains some of the most endearing photos ever of the noble canine.
December 26, 2019
A beautiful book, full of dogs. Flach doesn’t have the same humorous touch as Elliott Erwitt when it comes to dog photography, but he captures them in stunning way. In a lot of these photos he essentially uses classic portrait methods, so the outcome portrays the elegant beauty very well. But that’s not all that he does. Occasional shot is more abstract, close ups of the fur, and so on. There are shots taken outside, and in more natural context then in the studio. It’s a diverse collection of dog photos, and a beautiful one.
October 23, 2014
This is one of the most amazing photography books with dogs as the subject that I have ever seen. The cover photos (front and back) alone are tremendous and inside Flach included much of the roll he shot of the dog. (Each photo is of the pup jumping and flying through the air over and over except the last where the dog is flat on the ground, face invisible under all the hair, obviously exhausted. It’s beautiful.
The rest of the pictures are no exception. One of my favorites is of a beautiful golden chow with an improbably bright blue tongue (pg. 89), apparently natural. Another is of a Pekingnese who is brushed out and groomed into a big ball with a nose and that looks to me more like an angora bunny than a dog.
Each animally is gracefully and artfully photographed, some more than once, all with respect and dignity, even the ones that were absurd. By these I mean a handful of photos of dogs cut and dyed to look like other things, such as a lion and a skeleton (both poodles I believe) (pgs 91-95). The only one I found disturbing was that of a Yorkie whose hair was tied up in tissue and rubber bands to keep his show coat clean. If that poor dog has to wear that all the time I don’t know how he can even eat let alone play. A fun set of photos is of a Komondor facing an extremely similar looking Leicester Longwool sheep.
Although fairly short and simple, the accompanying text is actually interesting as well. Sometimes interesting and unusual tidbits about the breed are discussed, other times the dog itself. On a couple of occasions, discussion about more controversial topics is included such as the docking the tails of Doberman Pinscher and posting of their ears or the rather crippling and useless coat of the Puli. But each side is presented with fairness and it’s always interesting, even to a fairly well read, dog-obsessed person like me.
Overall, A+
The rest of the pictures are no exception. One of my favorites is of a beautiful golden chow with an improbably bright blue tongue (pg. 89), apparently natural. Another is of a Pekingnese who is brushed out and groomed into a big ball with a nose and that looks to me more like an angora bunny than a dog.
Each animally is gracefully and artfully photographed, some more than once, all with respect and dignity, even the ones that were absurd. By these I mean a handful of photos of dogs cut and dyed to look like other things, such as a lion and a skeleton (both poodles I believe) (pgs 91-95). The only one I found disturbing was that of a Yorkie whose hair was tied up in tissue and rubber bands to keep his show coat clean. If that poor dog has to wear that all the time I don’t know how he can even eat let alone play. A fun set of photos is of a Komondor facing an extremely similar looking Leicester Longwool sheep.
Although fairly short and simple, the accompanying text is actually interesting as well. Sometimes interesting and unusual tidbits about the breed are discussed, other times the dog itself. On a couple of occasions, discussion about more controversial topics is included such as the docking the tails of Doberman Pinscher and posting of their ears or the rather crippling and useless coat of the Puli. But each side is presented with fairness and it’s always interesting, even to a fairly well read, dog-obsessed person like me.
Overall, A+
June 11, 2024
I could read this book over and over again and not get bored with it. I love all the photos of the dogs, including some of my personal favorites such as Pugs, Pekingese, and Shar Peis.
October 31, 2012
Wonderful!! Amazing photography mixed with just enough text to keep my brain engaged with informative facts about dogs.
September 3, 2023
Stunning photographs of dogs, but I'm a bit miffed that there's not any shots of Goldendoodles or Portuguese Water Dogs (my current companions). Fun and clever text, though I didn't read all of it—I was in it for the dog photos for gosh sakes! One of my favorite is of the Springer Spaniel portrait (p 166), the Great Dane looking down at his next meal (p 128), the pile of Dalmation puppies (p 108), and the newly "posted" Dobermans (p 119) (Don't do that, folks...)
June 9, 2019
I consider myself a dog person, although I currently don't have a dog at home. I have favourite breeds, and many of them are featured here. This contains an interesting variety of photographs--some beautiful, some funny, some strange--along with some thought-provoking text. I've been aware of some of the research on dog evolution and abilities, but some of this was new to me.
January 1, 2019
I learned so much about the human/dog relationship by reading this book. I bought it for the photography, which is outstanding, but ended up learning how our relationship to the species came about and how far we and they have come. Read it.
February 21, 2019
Beautiful book, but why was such a small font size used in the printed text?
An enormous amount of white space left where a much larger font could have been used so readers would not have to strain to read the text.
An enormous amount of white space left where a much larger font could have been used so readers would not have to strain to read the text.
December 28, 2018
The photos are very splendid indeed, the text less so.
November 15, 2010
As has been said every dog has his day but not until the insightful Tim Flach have dogs been captured in extraordinary photos capturing not only our best friends at rest, at work, and at play but also revealing the deep affection we have for them. As Blackwell writes, “There’s a bond we have with the dog that goes beyond all other animals.” How true!
Tim Flach’s photography is a work of art with each photo bringing the viewer close to the subject. It’s difficult to describe the intimacy one feels. A Pug with startling blue eyes and endearingly wrinkled face gazes directly into the eyes of the viewer. Impossible not to love him! A proud German Shepherd looks trustingly from the page, a reminder that this breed is often a police or search-and-rescue dog. A honey colored Labrador Retriever pup with his snub nose and silky floppy ears is titled “Say You Love Me.” Of course, we do!
Precisely lit and thoughtfully cropped these photos are sheer beauty - a black Lab, Sadie, is shown with the prestigious Dickin Medal around her neck. The Medal was given for “conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty” while working with the British armed forces. Sadie’s ebony coat gleams with the luster of midnight. A Golden Retriever’s love of water is expressed in succeeding photos as the happy dog shakes water from his russet coat.
“Information” at the back of the volume provides details about each dog photographed . DOGS is 216 pages of pure pleasure, a volume that will be enjoyed over and over again.
Highly recommended.
- Gail Cooke
June 8, 2014
This gorgeous book on dogs is what I consider a coffee-table book. It needs to be set out for everyone to peruse at their leisure. The photography is absoulutely incredible. There are photographs catching man's best friend in mid-air. A mop-shaped dog on the cover begs the reader to open the pages and enjoy. The eyes of the pooches photographed were my favorite part of the book. Tim Flach has created a dog book that shoud be considered a work of art.
February 23, 2012
My first impression of this book was bad completely based on its large size. I generally do not appreciate coffee table books, which this this book appears to be. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised! Dogs by Tim Flach is both an art photography book and an interesting book on dog breeds. I highly recommend it to both dog lovers and photography buffs!
January 10, 2013
Enjoyed this coffee table book immensely. Tim Flach is a talented photographer. His subjects, The dogs, are beautiful, and I learned some things about several dog breeds that I had not heard or read before. If you love dogs, or just great animal photography, you will want to read this wonderful book.
May 28, 2011
AMAZING! Some of the most stunning dog photography I've ever seen plus entertaining vignettes about dozens of different breeds. An absolutely perfect gift for dog-lovers (the kind of book people don't usually buy for themselves -- a five pound coffee table book -- so a great present!)
March 26, 2012
What an amazing book! The photographs are gorgeous and the writing explores the history of dog breeds, domestication, and their relationships with humans. Fascinating! I read it with Marley and Melvin.
March 18, 2013
Wonderful photo collection with short, thought-provoking essays sprinkled throughout. With most of the photos, there's an accompanying paragraph or two of interesting facts about the breeds on display.
If you love dogs, you need to get your hands on this book.
If you love dogs, you need to get your hands on this book.
November 26, 2010
Five stars are not nearly enough.
July 16, 2011
Beautiful photography! Flachs captures the essence of different dogs as well as the beauty of them. Loved it!
October 1, 2011
Absolutely STUNNING!!!
July 16, 2012
I picked it up for the phenomenal photos, but the text was just as fascinating.
September 7, 2013
What a fun collection of pictures, but somehow, this book doesn't include Airedales!
September 20, 2013
This is a classic dog book. The photographs were amazing and detailed. Definately did justice for all dog breeds. Loved it!
June 16, 2015
Gorgeous photography!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews