The Deserts of Africa

Among photographic studies of Africa and its people, Martin's work is unusual in its focus on the continent's landscape. Documenting the Sahara, Rift Valley, Kalahari and Namib deserts, the photographer invokes a sense of timelessness and tradition that contrasts with the rush of most modern lifestyles. The full-page photos immerse the viewer in a storm brewing over the Namib, the salt caravans of the Tuareg or the sand that is the Libyan Erg Ubari. Martin's photographic skills, acknowledged by his Kodak Best of the Year award, supports his tandem career as a geographer. In each chapter he discusses the history, climate and tribes of each desert accessibly and informatively. The foreword by noted Nigerian (Dagara tribe) spiritualists Malidoma and Sobunfu Som position the book as a testament to the desert's spirit, and sincerity is evident in the depth with which Martin explores his subject. While the landscape photos are riveting, the book would have benefited from more selectivity. The design leaves one wading through blank space and small snapshots, undermining Martin's otherwise strong vision. Also less convincing are the design ""ornaments"" scattered throughout. Intended to add a sense of cultural awareness, they end up only decorative and random. The captions to these ornaments are buried in the back of the book, and fail to sufficiently address their relevance to the main sequence. Although it cannot rival the books of photographer Angela Fisher on the subject of Africa, this volume's detailed captions, maps and fact sections transform it from a strictly coffee-table book into a useful reference guide. 148 four-color photos. (Sept.)