Southern Appalachian Celebration

“This fine book is not only a collection of stunning photographs but also a natural history of a singular region. It will appeal to those who love Appalachia and appreciate fine nature photography as well as anyone interested in conservation and the environment.”—Library Journal

“Celebrates the best of the region in all four seasons. . . .This coffee table book presents not only scores of stunning images from the camera of naturalist and artist James Valentine, but also the fine writing of Chris Bolgiano.”—Blue Ridge Country

“With the help of thought provoking text, [Valentine] makes a strong case for preserving the priceless natural heritage of these mountains before it’s too late. . . .Beautiful as it is, this book is much more than a collection of photos.”—Our State

“Valentine has captured the many wonders of this region in large-format photos of great color, detail, and beauty.”—Bloomsbury Review

“Valentine has captured the beauty that can’t be seen through a casual drive. His passion and respect for nature is evident in every photograph. . . . Each photo [is] a testament to the wonder of the region.”—Louisville Courier-Journal

“No book of my experience has ever caught the natural beauty and richness of southern Appalachia with greater exactitude.” — Edward O. Wilson, Harvard University, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner

“This book is a paean to the Southern Appalachians, remarkable for its multi-hued depiction of a heartbreakingly beautiful and biologically rich part of our country, whose unique values are at risk from a host of human-caused pressures. . . . It took more than a decade and countless sojourns in the backcountry with a camera, from valley floor to mountaintop, to capture this collection of eloquent photographs. They open a new window on the Southern Appalachian region. . . . Chris Bolgiano’s text is the book’s grace note, both sparkling and spare.” — William Meadows, from the foreword

“Southern Appalachian Celebration is a worthy testimony and loving ode to one of America’s premier, iconic natural landscapes and ecosystems, and this photographic essay represents the life masterpiece of its creative artist, who so deeply cherishes these mountains.” — Chuck Roe, Southeast Regional Program director, Land Trust Alliance, and founding director, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program and Conservation Trust for North Carolina