Description
Galápagos
Poems
by John Delaney
Photographs
by Andrew Delaney
Paper
$19.99
979-8-88838-361-2
2023
Ekphrastic poems by a father as reaction to his son’s photographs, this hybrid work celebrates the unique responses of Galápagos wildlife to their challenging environments. The poems often emphasize the personalities of these special species; the 13 pages of color photographs capture the context and success of their evolutionary adaptations.
“After retiring as curator of historic maps at Princeton University Library, John moved out to Port Townsend, WA, and has traveled widely, preferring remote, natural settings. Since that transition, he has published Waypoints (2017), a collection of place poems. Twenty Questions (2019), a chapbook, and Delicate Arch (2022), poems and photographs of national parks and monuments. Andrew’s base is San Francisco, CA.”
Robert Leon Davis for Reader Views –
“Galapagos,” written by author John Delaney and illustrated by photographer Andrew Delaney, is a short work showcasing the fantastic visual world of the famous and unique Galapagos Islands. The authors (father and son) not only had the rare opportunity to visit this “magical” destination but to visualize it in a sense that could be likened to one of history’s greatest naturalists, Charles Darwin.
Not only were they mesmerized by the islands’ geographic location and unique beauty, but also by the rare animals, fowl, and fauna only found at this exotic locale. In addition, their fondness and love for the Galapagos archipelago was so profound that they decided to express it not only with amazing photography of the island, but poems dedicated to the various animals found only in this location. A unique and varied collection of turtles, hawks, iguanas, penguins, crabs, and albatrosses make the Galapagos home. And lastly, let’s not forget the rare finches, almost synonymous with Darwin himself.
“Galapagos” explores one of the most beautiful, yet mysterious locales in the world. This book is very elegantly written with amazing photos of animals only found here. The photos made me feel like I was actually there! (On my bucket list). As you observe the various pictures of each resident, the author brilliantly attaches a special poem dedicated to each unique animal.
In addition, the author’s incredible perspective is brilliantly described in detail as they examine each species. It’s almost like they are attempting to read the minds of each of their subjects. Their excitement and awe are definitely exhibited through their photography, poems, and complete representation. “Galapagos” by John Delaney and Andrew Delaney will definitely leave you with that feeling of “I’ve got to go there!”