Ms. Conner brings several perspectives to her photographs that I found rewarding. First, the horizontal rectangles of the banquet camera remind me of a finely detailed scroll. Immediately, the images bring new understanding to much traditional Chinese art as well as to the impact that landscape has had on Chinese culture. Second, the interaction of people and nature create interesting thoughts for the viewer. Why is human orderliness so much less attractive than the less regular pulses of nature? Third, the people feel like they are in the room with you, providing the basis for potentially having a conversation. What do they think of photography? What do they think of those who will see the photographs? What message would they like to send? What messages have they sent? Fourth, history comes to life with the places. You see the desert boundaries of a dynasty. You see the political stage upon which a government exults in itself. The echoes of foreign domination linger on in other images. So, although these images do not have texts accompanying each one, they carry eloquent messages to both the casual and the careful observer. A helpful foreword by Jonathan Spence, thoughtful essay by Geremie R. Barme, and self-reflective notes by Ms. Conner add to the viewer's understanding of the intriguing, and often breathtaking, scenes.

As in the best photography books, this one uses facing pages well to create contrasts, dialogue, and new thoughts. The quality of the paper and the printing of the images are superb.

Usually, I am moved to pick out a few images for special mention as being the most outstanding. I did not have that reaction to this volume. I felt that almost every image was outstanding. Collectively, they tell a vastly more interesting story than they do individually. In total, there is an impression of China as it has been, is now, and is becoming that are vastly more indelible than the last ten books you could have read about China.

After you finish enjoying this wonderful volume several times, think about where else photographs could add depth of understanding that other ways of characterizing something could not. How can you use photographs to help others understand important lessons in those situations?

Press in all directions to expose new dimensions of reality!

Up-front, I want to acknowledge that China is immense and probably impossible to capture in one book. I applaud Conners courage to travel by foot, bicycle, bus and train across the provincial provinces of China. Some of her photos lift off the page and wrap the stunning landscape of China around you. Callaway, the Publisher, is known for their superb quality in illustrated books and the reproductions here are excellent.

I acquired this book before I left for China and wanted to review it when I returned. I have been back about a month. What impressed me about China was the masses of people, all 1.3 billion of them. China seemed to be a compendium of human molecules always in motion. Take that, and then blend the contrast between the new modernity of the metropolitan areas and the stark inequality of the poverty of the peasants (over 80% of the population are still farmers), and you have quite a photographic opportunity.

None of this is captured in Lois Conner's book. Of the Tritone photographs over 80% lack people. Conner's photography was shot over a period of 15 years (1984 -1999). In those years over 215,000,000 people were added to the country's population. China, among other things, is about people. The soul of China is found in its people. Smiling faces, running children, friendly shopkeepers, generous strangers and polite professionals were the mental photos I remember of China.

Her photographs capture the space, shapes, shadows and unique landscapes found in this complex country and they do so, well. Perhaps Vicki Goldberg, of the New York Times, said it best, "The results are lovely and can be challenging, though some are just pretty pictures." I want more China. Recommended for the quality and reproduction of the photographs, but not for the subject focus.