Many have tried to convey the true spirit of Africa's animals in words, photography, or in music.

There may be no challenge greater; Africa's fauna are vast in number and rich in diversity. In this finely crafted collection, French photographer Laurent Baheux uses the medium of black-and-white photography to capture the intricate details of both the wondrous beasts and the magnificent settings in which they dwell.

This wide-ranging volume lays particular emphasis on his subjects' individual spirits-revealing all of their vulnerability while losing nothing of their raw vitality.

Every photograph is so carefully composed and well lit that the details equal the evocative precision of an Old Masters portrait.

Through Baheux's eyes we get close to creatures that will both inspire and humble us all.