Greyhounds the book

Few dogs are as emotionally engaging or physically elegant as the greyhound.  None are as swift.  Its unmatched fleetness is key to the breed’s longtime survival. Bred to hunt, the greyhound has a lineage extending back 8,000 years.  Throughout its history and around the world, the greyhound has been the companion of kings and the inspiration of writers and artists alike.

Today hundreds of young and healthy purebred greyhounds that do not make the grade on one of 35 racetracks in the U.S. and Mexico are in need of adoptive homes.  This book has an agenda that goes beyond simply capturing the unassuming elegance of this breed:  the hope is that the book will bring about greater public awareness of these dogs and the unique challenges they face after their racing careers have ended.  It is intended to garner the attention of the innumerable potential dog owners who might consider adding a gentle greyhound to their family. When their racing days have ended, the lucky ones find themselves with one of hundreds of greyhound adoption groups who will adopt them into loving homes.  With greater exposure of the breed, and greater awareness of their plight, eventually all of these dogs can be placed after their careers on the track and the breeding farms are over.

The otherworldly beauty, quiet grace, and loving disposition of the retired racing greyhound were Barbara Karant’s inspiration for Greyhounds.  By photographing her subjects against a pristine white background, Karant captures the dogs’ indomitable spirit, readily visible in these portraits — their spunk, spontaneity, humor, mystery, and charm.  Karant’s gloriously expressive pictures, along with an evocative writings by Alice Sebold, Alan Lightman, Yvonne Zipter and Neko Case on the extraordinary qualities of these magnificent beings who give themselves to you—trusting fully and asking so little in return—make this book a wonderful gift to anyone who has or will
ever share their life with a dog.

Barbara Karant is a nationally known design, art, and architecture photographer whose work is in the permanent collections of museums throughout the United States. For 25 years her work has appeared in books, magazines, and newspapers throughout the country, including The New York Times, Architectural Record, Interior Design and Esquire.

Alice Sebold is the bestselling author of the award-winning, critically acclaimed novel The Lovely Bones, for which she received the American Booksellers Association’s Book of the Year award. Her other works include Almost Moon, as well as the memoir, Lucky.

Alan Lightman is the author of Ghost. Einstein’s Dreams, The Good Benito and The Diagnosis, a finalist for the National Book Award. His essays and short fiction have appeared in a wide variety of publications.

Yvonne Zipter is the author of the acclaimed poetry collections Like Some Bookie God and The Patience of Metal as well as the essay collection Ransacking the Closet.

Neko Case is a singer/songwriter who is best known for her sophisticated vocals and unique musical style. She has won critical praise for her solo works including her most recent album, Confessor Brings the Flood.

Design: The Grillo Group, Inc Maria Grillo and Katherine Walker
Book Production: Gary Chassman, Verve Editions
Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang

ISBN-10: 1584797355
ISBN-13: 978-1584797357
Copyright ©2008 Barbara Karant All rights reserved.