When Elephants Come to Town: A Visual Anthology

When Elephants Come to Town is a photography book that showcases the fascination with elephants throughout history, from Ancient Rome to Coney Island and beyond. It features iconic photographs by renowned photographers and includes archival material from Victorian times to the mid-20th century. The book explores the relationship between humans and elephants, highlighting their admiration, applause, and sometimes brutal mistreatment. It also sheds light on the abuse and poor living conditions captive elephants have endured.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2020
Publisher: Cannibal/Hannibal Publishers

When Elephants Come to Town is a captivating visual journey that explores the enduring fascination with the majestic elephant, spanning from Ancient Rome to Coney Island and beyond. Through a remarkable selection of photographs and accompanying text, we embark on a captivating expedition, following these magnificent creatures as they navigate through diverse landscapes and environments.

From the battlefields to the city bridges, from the railway cars to the circus rings, elephants have graced our presence with their awe-inspiring presence. Adored, applauded, and at times subjected to brutal mistreatment, these extraordinary creatures have truly arrived in our towns, captivating our hearts and minds.

This captivating book, When Elephants Come to Town, presents a unique perspective on our relationship with these magnificent animals. Rather than a mere collection of contemporary nature photographs, it is a treasure trove of exceptional images, spanning from Victorian times to the height of circus culture in the mid-20th century. These images, many of them taken by anonymous photographers, capture the essence of elephants in captivity, showcasing their diverse roles and experiences.

Elephants parade through the streets, captivating audiences with their majestic presence and astonishing tricks. They perform in circuses and shows, captivating riders of all ages and backgrounds, from royalty to children, from showgirls to soldiers. In times of war, they serve as invaluable allies, assisting with logistics, shifting heavy loads, plowing fields, and hauling vehicles. In peacetime, they add a touch of glamour and exoticism to locations as diverse as casinos, hospital courtyards, and amusement parks. These remarkable creatures are even transformed into elephant-shaped buildings, mechanised automatons, or balloons, adding a touch of whimsy to our world.

In the accompanying essay, acclaimed British author James Attlee delves deeper into the broader context of our relationship with elephants throughout history. He candidly acknowledges the abuse and poor living conditions that captive elephants have endured, while also celebrating the profound bond that exists between humans and these extraordinary creatures. Attlee's words evoke a sense of empathy and compassion, reminding us of the responsibility we hold to protect and preserve these magnificent animals for generations to come.

Through this extraordinary selection of photographs and accompanying text, When Elephants Come to Town invites us to celebrate the beauty, wonder, and complexity of the elephant. It serves as a testament to our enduring fascination with these magnificent creatures and a call to action to ensure their well-being and conservation. Let us embark on this visual journey and be reminded of the power of compassion and the significance of preserving the natural world for the generations to come.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 219 x 172 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463887519