Biophilia: Christopher Marley’s Art of Nature

I’ll start by admitting my bias. I have been a fan of Christopher Marley’s work since I read his first book, Pheromone. In the years since, I have been lucky enough to add a few of his compositions to my personal collection, and my admiration for his work has only grown.Compared to Pheromone, this book is longer and about half the price. The pages of Biophilia are not as thick as in Pheromone, but still have a luxurious texture and turn without sticking. The photographs are printed in glossy, true-to-life color. This large, heavy book would make an engaging coffee-table centerpiece.The book begins with a thoughtful introduction from Marley. He describes his own inspiration while also exploring the relationship between mankind and the natural world. While somewhat philosophical, the light tone prevents the text from reading as pretentious.The photographic portion of the book begins with a section on insects, probably my favorite section of the book. Here, the often-reviled “creepy-crawlies” of the world are showcased as things of beauty and wonder. This section includes simple compositions like one highlighting the iridescence of a single cuckoo wasp and complex compositions like the aestetica mosaic which is utterly captivating as the seemingly unrelated colors and lines of myriad insects come together in one harmonious arrangement.The next section of the book includes sea creatures from Marley’s Reclamation line (harvested from animals who have died in the wild or in captivity—none of the subjects were killed for the sake of art, but rather, they were elevated to immortality through art following their natural demise). The first photograph in this section is of a single octopus tentacle that is simultaneously haunting and beautiful, the movement visualized in its arrangement mirroring the flow of the seas but also the inherent struggle of life. Later in this section, a banded cat shark composition almost swims off the page glistening from the glossy printing as if still wet.The next section includes Marley’s reptilian compositions. The winding, coiling bodies of the snakes in these pages are mystifying—like anceint Celtic knots. Again, creatures that are typically regarded with fear are here honored as harolds of nature’s enduring beauty. A veiled chameleon in this section is arranged in such a life-like pose, that, in another context, I would think it were alive and stalking some unaware cricket.Marley next addresses the beauty of birds. Some mounts in this section feature the breath-taking beauty of fully extended wingspans while other compositions allow the reader to focus on the nearly microscopic beauty of a single feather. Mounts of finches (reminiscent of Darwin) in this section would be at home in an art museum or a museum of natural history.Minerals and fossils are highlighted in the next section. While still lovely, this is probably the least engaging chapter. While Marley’s signature use of color and symmetry are still present, the life, or imitation thereof, is absent from these pieces.The final section of the book, Unity, is a fascinating departure wherein Marley juxtaposes two pieces that, while completely different have a singular similarity. Birds next to minerals showing the same colors; flowers next to shells with the same shape. Here, the ideas of Marley’s introduction are illustrated through the photography of his work. The connectedness of nature becomes increasingly evident as one turns through the pages of this chapter.Biophilia is more than a glorified catalog. It is a photographic journey of the connectedness of natural forms—a declaration of unity. Marley’s knack for highlighting the inherent beauty of his subjects elevates the mundane to art and the rare to true inspiration. Biophilia is a delightful book that will instill the reader with a sense of wonder.

Christopher Marley's art is incredible! This makes a wonderful coffee table book. Many people have spent time looking at it when they visit. We saw one of his exhibits in person in Houston and were sorry we didn't think to look for a book then and there. The book captures the beauty and uniqueness of the work as best as possible for a picture to do!

I received this secondhand (it looked like it was originally from a library). I did buy this used. Beautiful book, wonderful company who shipped it, and in great condition for it being used.

Stunning & includes descriptions!

Love it!

Hefty book, printed on beautiful white paper. Amazon's look-inside-the-book feature gives good feel for interior illustrations. But having whole hefty book laid out on table and looking at artful facing pages is an indescribably different experience. I have author’s book Pheromones, so insects as subject matter are right up my alley. As to the reptiles, which look rather chilling on the page, maybe that is the whole point. Recently photographed a live active, small backyard rattlesnake that had just swallowed a mouse, and a very different experience than a cold museum specimen. The backyard snake and I quickly went our separate ways, but the book photos left me with a better respect for the artfulness of the Creator of that snake in nature. Which, I think, is the essence of the book, to better appreciate the mystery and beauty of the natural world.

I purchased this book as a gift for a friend who is a plant biologist. I like this book because it really is a nice marriage between science and art. It's beautiful to look at. I just don't know if it's something I would consistently revisit or if it's something I would purchase for myself. However, I think that's the case with most "coffee table books." As a gift, it was nice and was appreciated.

Book arrived on time and in good condition. The pictures are great.