Cape Town-based Poliza's 12-pound behemoth (packaged in its own carrying case) is a labor of love -- and worth every cent. It's a lavishly produced, mesmerizing celebration of the diversity of Africa and especially its wildlife. The German photographer loves color and pattern, abundantly on display here, with each of the 180 exquisite images printed across two jumbo pages. He followed up with a breathtaking helicopter journey from Hamburg to Cape Town, showcased in his new book, Eyes Over Africa.  (AFR180, $125.00)

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Eyes Over Africa
Michael Poliza
NATURAL HISTORY •  2007 • HARD COVER  • 408 PAGES
Poliza takes to the air in this second book, superbly illustrated the beauty and diversity of Africa in stunning low aerial photographs. (AFR205, $125.00)

African Ceremonies
Carol Beckwith
Angela Fisher
CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1999 • HARD COVER  • 744 PAGES
Beckwith and Fisher team up to capture traditional ceremonies and contemporary culture throughout the continent in this lavishly produced, two-volume collection of 850 color photographs. Presented in a slip case. (AFR76, $150.00)