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National Geographic Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary
In this dazzling book of visual wonders, National Geographic reveals a world very few will have the chance to see for themselves. Shot by some of the world's finest photographers, New York Times bestseller Rarely Seen features striking images of places, events, natural phenomena, and manmade heirlooms seldom seen by human eyes. It's all here: 30,000-year-old cave art sealed from the public; animals that are among the last of their species on Earth; volcanic lightning; giant crystals that have grown to more than 50 tons; the engraving inside Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch. With an introduction by National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez, whose work has taken him from the Peruvian Andes to the deepest caves of Papua New Guinea, Rarely Seen captures once-in-a-lifetime moments, natural wonders, and little-seen objects from the far reaches of the globe.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2015
7 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Susan Tyler Hitchcock
45 books14 followersSusan Tyler Hitchcock is an American author, editor, and former educator whose work spans memoir, biography, cultural history, and science writing. With a Ph.D. in English from the University of Virginia, she began her career in publishing in the 1970s and taught humanities to engineering students at UVA for a decade. Her first book, Gather Ye Wild Things, launched a prolific writing career that includes Coming About, a memoir of a family sailing journey, and Frankenstein: A Cultural History, which explores the enduring legacy of Mary Shelley's monster. Hitchcock has also written acclaimed biographies of figures such as Mary Lamb and Karen Horney.
Since 2007, she has served as a senior book editor at National Geographic, developing titles focused on nature, science, and culture, and contributing her own writing to many of them. Her editorial work includes Geography of Religion, co-edited with John L. Esposito, which received praise for its balanced, richly illustrated approach to world religions.
Hitchcock's writing is distinguished by its depth of research, narrative clarity, and ability to make complex topics accessible to broad audiences. Whether chronicling personal adventures, exploring literary history, or guiding readers through scientific landscapes, she brings curiosity, insight, and humanity to every page. She lives in rural Virginia, where she gardens, explores nearby forests, and continues to write and edit. Her book Into the Forest, published by National Geographic, reflects her deep connection to the natural world and her continued passion for storytelling.
Since 2007, she has served as a senior book editor at National Geographic, developing titles focused on nature, science, and culture, and contributing her own writing to many of them. Her editorial work includes Geography of Religion, co-edited with John L. Esposito, which received praise for its balanced, richly illustrated approach to world religions.
Hitchcock's writing is distinguished by its depth of research, narrative clarity, and ability to make complex topics accessible to broad audiences. Whether chronicling personal adventures, exploring literary history, or guiding readers through scientific landscapes, she brings curiosity, insight, and humanity to every page. She lives in rural Virginia, where she gardens, explores nearby forests, and continues to write and edit. Her book Into the Forest, published by National Geographic, reflects her deep connection to the natural world and her continued passion for storytelling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
January 8, 2019
I've had this book sitting on a table for a few months now. Every so often I pick it up and look at several pages being careful that its bulk and mass doesn't slip out of my grasp and break something important in my house or body.
You may not agree that National Geographic has the best photographers, but few would dispute that their photographers are top level. In this book you will see how far they will go to get extraordinary photos. Into the stratosphere; in the ocean depths; on remote islands; or, places of dangers that few of us can or will try to emulate.
The book is divided into five subject categories: phenomena; life; places; objects and moments. My attention (and imagination) were captured by many if not all of those included. A couple of my favorites were the pattern of rice paddies shot from above and one of a man on horseback fleeing an erupting volcano.
Is this book a necessity? Probably not. Is it worth a trip to the bookstore or library to browse through it? Definitely. (but do be sure that your grip is tight)
You may not agree that National Geographic has the best photographers, but few would dispute that their photographers are top level. In this book you will see how far they will go to get extraordinary photos. Into the stratosphere; in the ocean depths; on remote islands; or, places of dangers that few of us can or will try to emulate.
The book is divided into five subject categories: phenomena; life; places; objects and moments. My attention (and imagination) were captured by many if not all of those included. A couple of my favorites were the pattern of rice paddies shot from above and one of a man on horseback fleeing an erupting volcano.
Is this book a necessity? Probably not. Is it worth a trip to the bookstore or library to browse through it? Definitely. (but do be sure that your grip is tight)
February 26, 2016
This book deserves more than 5 stars!!! Absolutely beautiful! You can never do wrong with National Geographic!
February 11, 2016
This book is absolutely gorgeous! From the highest mountains to the deepest caves, National Geographic brings us images from some amazingly talented photographers. These aren’t just any photos, but images of places and events that many of us will never get the chance to see in our lifetime. Some are secluded or protected places, some are once in a lifetime events, and others are simply gone due to environmental damage, but all come with a story. This book will inspire you to look at the beauty of the world around you. It offers a nice break in your day to explore the rare and awesome wonders in our world from the comfort of your living room. As a person who loves photography and travel, this book is a feast for the senses and the imagination. I definitely added a few places to my travel bucket list! I hope that you’ll find some inspiration in these pages too.
Bettina P. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
February 26, 2022
This was a very big book with lots of beautiful pictures. It ranges from nature to animals to people to structures. Not all of them I care that much about but some are pretty neat. Along with the pictures are little short blurbs about each.
February 17, 2016
The majority of these photos are stunning while the others are interesting to look at. Together they form an amazing book!
August 22, 2024
I really need to read more of these National Geographic collections of photos. Paper prints of these images are somehow more immediate than seeing them on a screen. I spent hours being amazed and overwhelmed by the majesty of this world, in tiny details and massive monuments, all courtesy of Mother Nature and our human interactions with her. An absolutely stunning experience. And the cover image is apparently somewhere right here in Nevada--I need to go find it! And I may need to find a copy of this book to keep!
May 25, 2018
Great collection of photographs! I learned new things about our world and had a great time doing it. I really like that the pictures take center stage and the words are minimal.
January 6, 2019
This book caught my eye from the moment that I came across it. I loved the idea of rarely seen moments caught by photographers and then shared within this book. There were so many interesting shots, places, and moments captured. I felt like I learned a lot and my world was expanded by the wonderful shots. I also think this would make a great "coffee table book" and as it is interesting and makes for easy reading with all the pictures.
April 16, 2020
Fascinating, have reread countless times
December 5, 2025
Tried this kind of book for the first time.
February 29, 2020
The world's a beautiful place isnt it??
February 7, 2018
I picked this book up by random chance at my local Barnes & Noble store. I was instantly seized by the stories that the pictures told. National Geographic books can be expensive, but I took a chance on this book and was extraordinarily glad that I did!! Not only is it a wonderful coffee table book (for those who enjoy those types of things), but it is wonderful to have great picture books like this in your household.
I would recommend this book highly to photographers, picture freaks, and those who just love stories. This books shows us that our world is a wonderful place and worth protecting and sharing.
I would recommend this book highly to photographers, picture freaks, and those who just love stories. This books shows us that our world is a wonderful place and worth protecting and sharing.
January 10, 2016
Extraordinary book of photography. I spent 2.5 hours reading each caption and looking over each image.
Look at this book with someone else: the images are so incredible you will want to show them and marvel together.
Look at this book with someone else: the images are so incredible you will want to show them and marvel together.
August 29, 2016
This book is humungous, which is nice because you can really see the detail in the photos. My favorite were places, especially with mud or lava in them. But a lot of them weren't actually super mind-blowing, which was disappointing.
March 26, 2018
Was amused to discover that the cover shot is of something created accidentally by humans. Truly amazing photographs
November 20, 2018
397 pages, each with a National Geographic photo both pretty and rare. 11.5" x 9.5" x 1.5". 4.5 lb.
April 12, 2022
Through National Geographic’s “Rarely Seen: Photographs for the Extraordinary” readers a given a rare opportunity to view such rare things occurring in nature and in the world such as the African moon month which lives for about a week which is long enough for it to find a mate before dying. Through photography, experiences can be shared, knowledge can be gained, and hidden wonders can be revealed.
The overall purpose of this book to make unknown things known to the reader. Through this book, the reader gets to see photos of wonders including an African volcano that spews 1000 degree natrocarbonite lava as well as a close up of a bursting water balloon.
Book is organized by a foreword then photos are followed in one of five sections: phenomena, life, places, objects, and moments. Each section of the book begins with a one page introduction of the specific section followed by photos.
In the first section, phenomena, photos are shown on extraordinary events that occur in the natural world. Photos in this section include a photo of bioluminescent mushrooms in Brazil, ring around the sun in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, an ice fumarole in Antarctica, mammatus clouds in central Nebraska, and pancake ice in Poland.
In the second section, life, photos are shown of the tension between order and chaos and the beauty of the earth in flux. Photos in this section include a dance from a Navajo medicine man in Arizona, pygmy hippos in west Africa,a sprouting tree in China’s Panda Lake, a female eagle hunter in Mongolia, a Castells or human tower competition in Spain, and a plant-hopper periwig in Suriname.
In the third section, places, photos are shown of exotic places around the world and what natural and man made attractions make them unique. Photos in this section include Ta Prohm temple in Cambodia, Dragon’s blood trees in Yemen, Thor’s Well in Cape Perpetua Oregon, and Pahoehoe lava formations on the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.
In the fourth section, objects, photos are shown to create a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of objects as well as find a connection. Photos in this section include the Terra-Cotta warriors in China, closeup of a snowflake in Vermont, Nebra Sky Disk in Germany, the Titanic in the North Atlantic, and Rayong Dam in Thailand.
In the fifth and final section, moments, photos are shown that capture a slice of time and an experience that may never happen again. Photos in this section include a free diver sharing space with a tiger shark in the Bahamas a fruit bat covered in pollen emerging from a flower in Cuba, a kangaroo hopping across a lake at sunset in Australia, lightning strike at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and candy makers in Afghanistan.
As I read this book, I loved the simplicity of the book’s layout in that it provides an image followed by a title then a brief explanation of the subject in the photo. I also appreciate the creative titles for some of the photos since some of the things photographed don’t have an official name. Although all of the photos are beautiful in their own way, some photos are heartbreaking after reading captions of endangered species and ruin due to nature or humans.
After finishing reading this book, it has not only changed since the way I see the world, it has also given me inspiration on how to take better photos and be mindful of how a photo I take serves as a conduit to how others in the world view things.
The overall purpose of this book to make unknown things known to the reader. Through this book, the reader gets to see photos of wonders including an African volcano that spews 1000 degree natrocarbonite lava as well as a close up of a bursting water balloon.
Book is organized by a foreword then photos are followed in one of five sections: phenomena, life, places, objects, and moments. Each section of the book begins with a one page introduction of the specific section followed by photos.
In the first section, phenomena, photos are shown on extraordinary events that occur in the natural world. Photos in this section include a photo of bioluminescent mushrooms in Brazil, ring around the sun in the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, an ice fumarole in Antarctica, mammatus clouds in central Nebraska, and pancake ice in Poland.
In the second section, life, photos are shown of the tension between order and chaos and the beauty of the earth in flux. Photos in this section include a dance from a Navajo medicine man in Arizona, pygmy hippos in west Africa,a sprouting tree in China’s Panda Lake, a female eagle hunter in Mongolia, a Castells or human tower competition in Spain, and a plant-hopper periwig in Suriname.
In the third section, places, photos are shown of exotic places around the world and what natural and man made attractions make them unique. Photos in this section include Ta Prohm temple in Cambodia, Dragon’s blood trees in Yemen, Thor’s Well in Cape Perpetua Oregon, and Pahoehoe lava formations on the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.
In the fourth section, objects, photos are shown to create a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of objects as well as find a connection. Photos in this section include the Terra-Cotta warriors in China, closeup of a snowflake in Vermont, Nebra Sky Disk in Germany, the Titanic in the North Atlantic, and Rayong Dam in Thailand.
In the fifth and final section, moments, photos are shown that capture a slice of time and an experience that may never happen again. Photos in this section include a free diver sharing space with a tiger shark in the Bahamas a fruit bat covered in pollen emerging from a flower in Cuba, a kangaroo hopping across a lake at sunset in Australia, lightning strike at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and candy makers in Afghanistan.
As I read this book, I loved the simplicity of the book’s layout in that it provides an image followed by a title then a brief explanation of the subject in the photo. I also appreciate the creative titles for some of the photos since some of the things photographed don’t have an official name. Although all of the photos are beautiful in their own way, some photos are heartbreaking after reading captions of endangered species and ruin due to nature or humans.
After finishing reading this book, it has not only changed since the way I see the world, it has also given me inspiration on how to take better photos and be mindful of how a photo I take serves as a conduit to how others in the world view things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2018
As expected from a National Geographic publication, the images selected for this collection are stunning. I was pleased to see that a number of photographers that I follow online are represented in this book, and I’ve even met a couple of them! The book is organized by the following topics: Phenomena, Life, Places, Objects and Moments and includes landscape, animal, people and objects. I gasped out loud from time to time when turning the pages of this gorgeous book. The sheer beauty of the people and places in our world never ceases to amaze me. I’m sure I’ll be picking up this book from time to time to browse through and enjoy the beauty of our world.
This would make a great gift for virtually any hard-to-please person on your gift list.
This would make a great gift for virtually any hard-to-please person on your gift list.
February 22, 2022
I always love looking at National Geographic photography. This collection of rarely seen phenomena, life, places, objects, and moments is incredible. Brief descriptions accompany each photograph telling not only what/where it is, but giving some background to the scene to enrich the experience. I especially enjoyed when photographs were thoughtfully placed on opposite pages which portrayed completely different subjects but had some visual connection. As I went through the book, I would (time and time again) think to myself, "Oh, this is my favorite." While some images appealed to me more than others, it's still impossible to choose just one. My "favorite" would be another (albeit shorter) book.
January 26, 2019
Part of the Substitute Parent Project. Well Cinnamon loved it! Which is valuable input! The girls are onto me and my wanting to "connect" with them so they are having none of it. Poor sports. Considering leaving porn on the table and seeing if they react.
This book is everything you think it will be plus more. Breath-taking landscapes and also images of our current tech world that are rarely seen (thinking of Obama's 3-D portrait) and make me appreciate the very weird place we live in. If I won the lottery, I'd buy this book in a heart beat.
This book is everything you think it will be plus more. Breath-taking landscapes and also images of our current tech world that are rarely seen (thinking of Obama's 3-D portrait) and make me appreciate the very weird place we live in. If I won the lottery, I'd buy this book in a heart beat.
November 12, 2018
The photos in this book are truly amazing! Creative, colorful shots of the extraordinary and sometimes ordinary make up the pages of this book. One of my favorite photos is of a rare blue lobsters, but there are so many "favorite" pictures to choose from. I think it would be fun to use some of the photos as writing prompts for an English class. I took my time going through this book because I wanted to really enjoy and appreciate the photos.
July 3, 2021
This book was much better, in my opinion, than National Geographic's book Simply Beautiful Photographs with better photography in general, as well as more interesting subject material and places for the images. Yet, once again this book also lacks the year in the description for the images.
A lot of the images are very vibrant with color, as close to perfect images taken at just the right time and several are incredible to behold.
A lot of the images are very vibrant with color, as close to perfect images taken at just the right time and several are incredible to behold.
August 4, 2023
So, I just got this book yesterday, and I'm super excited about it! The pictures are BEAUTIFUL, and there are all sorts of fun facts about the places and photographs. This is an AMAZING book to add to your collection and one that you could literally stare at for hours. I LOVE this book so much, and this is one to ABSOLUTELY check out! I can’t emphasize enough how INCREDIBLE this book is! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
June 18, 2018
The stunning photographs from this book recently were on display at a local museum. As I was not able to get to the showing, it was wonderful to be able to read about and enjoy the amazing photography from some of the world's most amazing places, people and other images. A feast for the eyes and a look into how incredible this world really is.
March 3, 2022
I really enjoyed these images & reading about each place! I spend a lot of time researching destinations and looking at landscapes and still found quite a few extraordinary places & things I didn’t even know existed!
January 12, 2024
While this is “a picture book”, it is arguably one of the most beautiful Ive ever seen in my life.
Seriously, every photo is mesmerizing and beautiful and it would make a beautiful coffee table book.
Seriously, every photo is mesmerizing and beautiful and it would make a beautiful coffee table book.
August 13, 2017
I could look at Nat Geo photos allllll day long. I loved the variety of the ones featured here.
September 30, 2017
Beautiful photographs from around the world
May 15, 2018
Gorgeous book with amazing photos. The wonders out there in this world really are extraordinary! And I continue to add to my *huge* list of places I would like to get to someday.
January 30, 2019
amazing & wonderful pictures
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews