In ‘On This Earth’ Nick Brandt depicts the animals of East Africa with an intimacy and artistry unmatched by other photographers who choose wildlife as their subject.The pictures portray a world of drama and poignancy, where the very souls of the animals seem to be revealed to us.

Brandt creates these majestic photos – whether of moments of quintessential stillness or bursts of dramatic action – by engaging with these animals on an exceptionally intimate level, without the customary use of a telephoto lens. Evocative of classical art, from dignified portraits to sweeping natural tableaux, Brandt artfully and simply captures animals in their natural state of being. With a foreword by acclaimed novelist Alice Sebold and an introduction by Jane Goodall, ‘On This Earth’ is a gorgeous portrait of some of the last wild animals – and a heartfelt elegy to a vanishing world. ‘On This Earth’ was first published in August 2005.