Required Reading: "The Centre Cannot Hold" by David Gulden

A great book for animal and photography enthusiasts.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

After spending the greater part of two decades in Kenya, wildlife photographer David Gulden has crafted a collection of awe-inspiring black-and-white landscapes, shockingly intimate animal portraits, and unbelievable action shots. While photographs constitute the majority of the book, there's a short essay by Gulden himself, as well as a forward by American novelist, Susan Minot. Both explain the themes and narrative within Gulden's book and vast body of work.

To frame that narrative, the author borrows a line from William Butler Yeats’ poem The Second Coming:

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Substituting the setting of Post-WWII Europe for present-day Africa, Gulden masterfully depicts the changing world of the animal kingdom. He captures not only the physicality of the animals and their natural habitats, but also their "being." In her forward, Susan Minot writes, “David Gulden captures animals in all their wonder and intrigue, without glorifying or romanticizing them. He knows Kenya’s wildlife intimately, and it shows in the depth of his images. He has an artist’s eye, which delivers beauty and transport in every picture.”

The product of Gulden’s efforts is a beautiful collection of true wildlife photography that provides the reader with a unique perspective of nature—one that is not preoccupied with manicured landscapes, generic compositions, or predictable framing. It's a must-have title for both animal and photography enthusiasts alike.

Credit: The Centre Cannot Hold by David Gulden, copyright © 2012, published by Glitterati Incorporated. 

Available at Amazon 

Latest in Style