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Earth from Above: 365 Days
Arthus-Bertrand, Yann
744 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
14 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Yann Arthus-Bertrand
231 books49 followersYann Arthus-Bertrand was born in a renowned jewellers' family founded by Claude Arthus-Bertrand and Michel-Ange Marion. His sister Catherine is one of his closest collaborators. He's been interested in nature and wildlife from an early age.
From the age of 17 he became involved in the movie industry. He gave up the movie industry in 1967 to run the Château de Saint Augustin wildlife park in Château sur Allier (centre of France). He then left the country with his wife Anne when he was 30 (1976) to live in Kenya in the Massai Mara national park. He lived amongst the Massai tribe for 3 years to study the behaviour of a lions’ family and took daily pictures of them during those years. He thus discovered a new passion for photography and the beauty of landscapes when observed from above in hot air balloons. He understood the power of a picture and how to communicate using this means.
He came back to France in 1981, published a photography book Lions in 1983, and became an international journalist, reporter and photographer specialising in documentaries on sports, wildlife and aerial photography for French magazines such as Paris Match and Geo. He photographed ten Paris-Dakar rallies. Every year he published a book on Rolland Garros, the tennis French open. He also took pictures every year at the Paris International Agricultural Show, and of Dian Fossey and gorillas in Rwanda.
In 1994 Arthus-Bertrand started a thorough study on the state of the Earth sponsored by UNESCO. Therefore he made a picture inventory of the world’s most beautiful landscapes taken from helicopters and balloons. The book from this project, Earth from Above (‘la Terre vue du ciel’) sold over 3 million copies and was translated into 24 languages.
From the age of 17 he became involved in the movie industry. He gave up the movie industry in 1967 to run the Château de Saint Augustin wildlife park in Château sur Allier (centre of France). He then left the country with his wife Anne when he was 30 (1976) to live in Kenya in the Massai Mara national park. He lived amongst the Massai tribe for 3 years to study the behaviour of a lions’ family and took daily pictures of them during those years. He thus discovered a new passion for photography and the beauty of landscapes when observed from above in hot air balloons. He understood the power of a picture and how to communicate using this means.
He came back to France in 1981, published a photography book Lions in 1983, and became an international journalist, reporter and photographer specialising in documentaries on sports, wildlife and aerial photography for French magazines such as Paris Match and Geo. He photographed ten Paris-Dakar rallies. Every year he published a book on Rolland Garros, the tennis French open. He also took pictures every year at the Paris International Agricultural Show, and of Dian Fossey and gorillas in Rwanda.
In 1994 Arthus-Bertrand started a thorough study on the state of the Earth sponsored by UNESCO. Therefore he made a picture inventory of the world’s most beautiful landscapes taken from helicopters and balloons. The book from this project, Earth from Above (‘la Terre vue du ciel’) sold over 3 million copies and was translated into 24 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 20, 2025
A collection of 365 photos taken from above of iconic landscapes and human creations, of obscure sites that create startlingly fresh views, and typical scenes of human life and landscapes as seen from afar. The photos are poignant, breathtaking, shocking, and mesmerizing. They remind us as humans of both our abilities to create magnificent beauty and our stark insignificance in the larger scheme of things.
January 5, 2015
A present from Sam a long time ago (we first saw an outdoor exhibit of Arthus-Bertrand's photographs in Amsterdam and I loved them--ignore how snotty that sounds), in 2014 I made a goal of actually reading this day by day (or every few days) throughout the year, as I believe the book is meant to be enjoyed. And I did it! And it was great. My only critique is that since this edition is almost 10 years old, a lot of the environmental essays and data are outdated. I'd love to look at a more updated edition.
January 2, 2025
Una foto al giorno
Raccolta di immagini di grande impatto visivo, tutte scattate dall'alto verso il suolo terrestre - l'obiettivo è rappresentare la grande diversità ambientale e sociale del nostro pianeta per sensibilizzare le persone verso la sua difesa.
Il tema è ancor più valido oggi che nel 2001 e le foto sono davvero notevoli, puntando sugli effetti cromatici e grafici di vari elementi (fiumi, coltivazioni, animali, città).
Raccolta di immagini di grande impatto visivo, tutte scattate dall'alto verso il suolo terrestre - l'obiettivo è rappresentare la grande diversità ambientale e sociale del nostro pianeta per sensibilizzare le persone verso la sua difesa.
Il tema è ancor più valido oggi che nel 2001 e le foto sono davvero notevoli, puntando sugli effetti cromatici e grafici di vari elementi (fiumi, coltivazioni, animali, città).
October 16, 2022
Imágenes espectaculares, curiosas, increíbles vistas aéreas, verdaderas sorpresas para la vista. Lecturas que realmente te hacen reflexionar, que nos muestran aspectos que no queremos ver y verdades que preferimos no conocer, que ayudan a despertar conciencias. Muy recomendable, creo que no es posible leer simplemente una página al día.
January 7, 2021
The human habitat reshaped to cultivate his food, seen from above, but also the natural shape of rivers, mountains, lakes. An artwork, complementary of the documentary home and others of the same author-photographer.
September 19, 2023
Judging by the title, I thought it was a selection of photos taken on each date.
It turns out to be just a random collection of 365 photos with no relation to the date whatsoever.
Would give it a zero star for this reason.
It turns out to be just a random collection of 365 photos with no relation to the date whatsoever.
Would give it a zero star for this reason.
November 30, 2025
Probablemente, uno de los libros más incómodos de leer en la cama debido a su peso. Las fotografías de Yann Arthus Bertrand junto con las explicaciones medioambientales que las acompañan, nos hacen entender el precario equilibrio en el que se encuentra nuestro mundo.
August 4, 2020
Some regions are repeated whereas others have been forgotten. Great pictures anyway
January 14, 2024
One of my favorite books. So many beautiful photos! I ask my mom to read this to me all the time.
July 10, 2025
I thought it was just gonna be a picture book but it’s more then that
December 13, 2013
These captivating photographs illuminate many aspects of our planet. Geography, engineering/ construction, habitat/ climate, and people. It's not uncommon for students or guests to lose themselves in an examination of the photographs.
I love to use this book for home school. An index in the back lists the 81 countries featured. This makes it easy to find a specific photograph about a country we are studying. In addition, each image contains a Longitude and Latitude address, which helps youngsters learn how to find the location on a globe or marked map.
Unfortunately, each photograph contains a page of text opposite that tells something about it. This commentary is the weakest part of the book. Some of the content is good, some is downright wrong and much is very politically motivated. Each month, this negative is compounded by an essay. Topics include:
"Climate Change - or Climate Apocalypse"
"Ancient Forests in Peril"
"Biodiversity: A Condition of Survival"
As you might have noticed, these are mostly downers that predict the certain demise of the earth unless specific, drastic, action is taken. Like most climate change drivel, the analysis of the situation is thin and the dogma thick. Part of me is bummed that we have to support this to get the positive benefits of the book. Nonetheless, we use this to talk about different perspectives and introduce an examination of some of the issues presented.
Overall, I am happy with our purchase, though getting it used would have been even better!
I love to use this book for home school. An index in the back lists the 81 countries featured. This makes it easy to find a specific photograph about a country we are studying. In addition, each image contains a Longitude and Latitude address, which helps youngsters learn how to find the location on a globe or marked map.
Unfortunately, each photograph contains a page of text opposite that tells something about it. This commentary is the weakest part of the book. Some of the content is good, some is downright wrong and much is very politically motivated. Each month, this negative is compounded by an essay. Topics include:
"Climate Change - or Climate Apocalypse"
"Ancient Forests in Peril"
"Biodiversity: A Condition of Survival"
As you might have noticed, these are mostly downers that predict the certain demise of the earth unless specific, drastic, action is taken. Like most climate change drivel, the analysis of the situation is thin and the dogma thick. Part of me is bummed that we have to support this to get the positive benefits of the book. Nonetheless, we use this to talk about different perspectives and introduce an examination of some of the issues presented.
Overall, I am happy with our purchase, though getting it used would have been even better!
December 15, 2011
So far, so good, although as another reviewer mentioned, it can get repetitive. And as that same reviewer mentioned, there is a lack of scale in most photos, which can make it difficult to truly appreciate the grandeur of the subject. Usually, though, that comes across just fine, and it is amazing to think of all the wild and crazy landscapes out there on this planet, looking so foreign to someone who is used to just one type. Going out West always floors me; the first time I went to California, you could have told me I was on Mars.
An error: on March 27th, there is a photo of Indians bathing in a river and the text states that it is a holy site for "Muslim pilgrims since time immemorial", then goes on to talk about Hinduism. There is not a "time immemorial" in Muslim history, since Muhammad began receiving revelations in 610AD, which is a relatively well-remembered time, especially compared to Hindu history. Not sure how that got past editors.
Didn't quite finish this, as we had to wrap it up for gift-giving, but the fact that I couldn't keep away from it before then means that the pictures were pretty gorgeous. Unfortunately, the text was clunky (translated?) and mostly boiled down to, "this photograph is the product of xyz geological phenomenon and/or qrs human manufacturing, but due to abc geological phenomenon and/or lmo human-induced catastrophe, it's probably all going to pot, most likely sooner than later." OK, then. Good thing we have the pictures, eh?
An error: on March 27th, there is a photo of Indians bathing in a river and the text states that it is a holy site for "Muslim pilgrims since time immemorial", then goes on to talk about Hinduism. There is not a "time immemorial" in Muslim history, since Muhammad began receiving revelations in 610AD, which is a relatively well-remembered time, especially compared to Hindu history. Not sure how that got past editors.
Didn't quite finish this, as we had to wrap it up for gift-giving, but the fact that I couldn't keep away from it before then means that the pictures were pretty gorgeous. Unfortunately, the text was clunky (translated?) and mostly boiled down to, "this photograph is the product of xyz geological phenomenon and/or qrs human manufacturing, but due to abc geological phenomenon and/or lmo human-induced catastrophe, it's probably all going to pot, most likely sooner than later." OK, then. Good thing we have the pictures, eh?
August 9, 2013
This outstanding book is part photography and part environmental lesson. At the beginning of each month there is an essay written about major issues for the planet. They include: sustainable development, climate change, forests, biodiversity, seas and oceans, freshwater, agroecology, renewable energy, mobility and equity, poverty, humanitarian work, and free trade. These are long enough to learn something, but not too long that you stop reading and skip to the photos.
This book is not for the person who wants to live life ignoring his or her place in the world. It was shocking, beautiful, and easy to appreciate. I read a month at a time, it took me a few weeks and I loved it. There will quite a few friends who will be receiving this for Christmas! There are several different editions, this was a second version published in 2007 and there was a new one published in 2009. I plan on getting that one too.
This book is not for the person who wants to live life ignoring his or her place in the world. It was shocking, beautiful, and easy to appreciate. I read a month at a time, it took me a few weeks and I loved it. There will quite a few friends who will be receiving this for Christmas! There are several different editions, this was a second version published in 2007 and there was a new one published in 2009. I plan on getting that one too.
July 16, 2009
Rarely have I seen such a wonderful compendium of photographs, such a breathtaking, sad and inspiring view of our world as seen from above. Few of us have the opportunity to view the Earth from such a lofty perspective, as though God himself were observing the great beauty, patterns and drama of our daily lives.
Day by day, we give an account of ourselves from oil rigs to farmer’s field, ranch to glistening glacier, chilly mountaintop and verdant vineyard to the world of the bricklayer, print master, fisherman and street vendor. Have we preserved the splendor and visions of the past? In our thirst for greater prosperity, are we destroying that which we hold most dear, our Earth, our very lives themselves? If a picture is worth a thousand words, then The New Earth From Above is a dissertation of global importance.
Day by day, we give an account of ourselves from oil rigs to farmer’s field, ranch to glistening glacier, chilly mountaintop and verdant vineyard to the world of the bricklayer, print master, fisherman and street vendor. Have we preserved the splendor and visions of the past? In our thirst for greater prosperity, are we destroying that which we hold most dear, our Earth, our very lives themselves? If a picture is worth a thousand words, then The New Earth From Above is a dissertation of global importance.
December 30, 2012
Impressive pictures, some of very obscure countries: Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, etc., taken from the air. Places include the mundane, like markets and farmland, to the famous, like the Greek temple of Delphi. Unfortunately, Arthus-Bertrand's commentary is almost universally negative, detailing the horrible problems faced by each of these countries with poverty and environmental concerns. A mixed bag. Uplifting and depressing.
July 28, 2008
Coffee table book I got for Christmas. A little preachy at times, but altogether some pretty horrifying stats. And a lot of natural and man-made beauty, very different from the typical calendar fare.
July 26, 2010
ممتع، جدا. الكتاب قد يأخذ ساعات لتنتهي من التأمل/الاندهاش بجمال ال��ور و المشاهد/المواقع التي تلتقطها.
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- مساحة خضراء، تشكل في جزء منها بشكل طبيعي شكل القلب المتداول.
Voh, New Caledonia, France
- the great barrier reef, Queensland, Australia
- Bnaff national park, Alberta, Canada
---
- مساحة خضراء، تشكل في جزء منها بشكل طبيعي شكل القلب المتداول.
Voh, New Caledonia, France
- the great barrier reef, Queensland, Australia
- Bnaff national park, Alberta, Canada
July 27, 2007
Beautiful. Stunning. Interesting.
October 21, 2007
I love looking at the pictures. Just amazing. I wish I had the idea to fly around in a helicoptor and take amazing pictures from the sky....
January 22, 2008
The most beautiful pictures of the earth from at many scales.
April 1, 2008
one of the best books ever.
get it and read it.
get it and read it.
July 4, 2008
This is fun and offers exotic images for drawing practice.
December 3, 2008
Stunning book of images. First saw some of the photos on display outside the London Science Museum and knew it would be gorgeous.
September 12, 2009
Beautiful.
November 27, 2013
I think I want this for my classroom. The pics are amazing, each one a simultaneous geography and ecology lesson. I've been having fun browsing it with the atlas open at the same time.
June 5, 2010
i got this book from a "last chance" bin at barnes and noble, but it was one that i had looked at, and wanted for many years. needless to say, it didn't disappoint.....
July 5, 2010
Magnificent - you can lose yourself in this book for hours. It's at once soothing (to look at the pictures) and challenging (if you read the text).
February 27, 2011
A book of beautiful areal photos from around the world with commentary on the facing page about the plight our world faces if we don’t change our habits. Makes me grateful to live where I do.
March 8, 2011
This book has amazing pictures and great facts about them and their locations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews