Not being able to see, touch and page through a book often presents a problem if you want to purchase a book online. It is even more of a worry if the book uses something that is as subjective as photography, and the emotions that is created by it, to portray it's message

In the case of this particular book, I needn't have worried!

Never before have I seen a book with such a huge amount of absolutely brilliant photography! The printing is of an outstanding quality, as is the paper and overall quality of the book and it's binding. There are quite a few double page spreads (seamlessly bound), and in a large format book such as this, it is the next best thing to being there in real life. Fred Hirschmann's photography is a joy to behold. When he does use the odd filter in his photographs, he uses it with the utmost subtlety; so all the photos are a representation of nature in her natural beauty and splendour. The essays that introduce each of the twelve regions of the USA is very informative, but I would suggest reading something like "Discover America: The Smithsonian book of the National Parks" by Charles E. Little, if the reader wants more historical information.

The front inlay states the following: "America is a word that swells the heart with pride, a word that means freedom, a word that brings visitors and new residents to its shores, a word that calls its citizens home from around the world." This book illustrates why, and after reading this book, I must say that I agree with these words. It almost makes me feel the same way, and I'm not even an US Citizen, nor have I been to the USA!

The book is an absolute visual tour-de-force, and I would recommend it highly!