Ylla - by Pryor Dodge (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The life of Ylla, one of the first animal photographers.

Ylla (1911-55) devoted herself exclusively to animal portraiture at a time when no one had thought of only photographing animals. Driven by her symbiotic relationship with animals, she created a new genre in animal photography: the expression and personality in animals. Ylla: The Birth of Modern Animal Photography recounts the eventful odyssey of a "New Woman" par excellence, fearless and knowing no limits. She was part of artists' circles in Belgrade and Paris, however during WWII she fled to New York via Marseille where she started her career again from square one. Originally taking beguiling photos in her studio and zoos, Ylla finally traveled to Africa and India where she died in a tragic accident during a water buffalo race. Her Animals in Africa and Animals in India are some of the first books on the subject. Ylla also introduced photography to children's literature. Her books The Sleepy Little Lion and Two Little Bears are juvenile classics. This book details her remarkable life and work.

Review Quotes

"Dodge's magnificent coffee table book (240 pages, 287 illustrations) is a visual feast, illuminated by beautifully written prose. A literary achievement reflecting a fifty-year effort from idea to publication. . . This fine-quality book mirrors one of the many characterizations of Ylla, as a 'stickler for quality.' Presented in a lively format, lovingly, admirably, clearly, thoughtfully, honestly, and sweepingly. Ylla's playfulness, 'sense of humor, ' charisma, and fearlessness jump out on every page."-- "Enchanted Prose"

About the Author

Pryor Dodge edited Hot Jazz and Jazz Dance and is the author of The Bicycle, an illustrated survey. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, of the Nehru-Gandhi family, is an environmentalist and founder of People for Animals, India's largest animal welfare organization.