Explore the arctic

E: The Environmental Magazine, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Christina Zarrella

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this book speaks volumes. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land (The Mountaineers Books, $22.95 paperback, $35 hardcover) by Subhankar Banerjee is a photographic voyage through Alaska's famous wilderness. Although this land is at the heart of current political debate, Banerjee goes beyond party lines to give a glimpse into a world experienced by few.

His exquisite photos allow the voices of plants, animals and indigenous people to be heard, and make it impossible to consider this land as a barren expanse. The book includes candid entries Bannerjee's 14-month expedition, a foreword by Jimmy Carter, six essays from accomplished environmentalists, and a heartfelt poem by Terry Tempest Williams.