West cost photographers Pat and Rosemarie Keough spent much of 2002 launching their new book, the continent-sized Antarctica. This latest publication form their Nahanni Productions Inc. marks a distinct change from the six books that preceded it. With Antarctica the Keoughs have entered the realm of limited edition art books, with strong emphasis on materials and craftsmanship to match the content.

Antarctica presents 345 photographs taken by the Keoughs of the southernmost continent, in a large, landscape-format volume wieghing over 27 pounds in its accompanying presentation box. The book's size and format dictated that the couple invest considerable thought toward ensuring the finished book would stand the test of time.

The Keoughs decided to invest in a good binding. “We do not know of any other comparable edition that presents a portfolio of photographs in such a luxurious and structurally sound manner as Antarctica.”

This focus on structural integrity reflects the Keoughs' interest in the form of the book. “Our three passions are books, stone, and wood. There is something elemental and comforting about each. A portfolio of loose prints doesn't appeal to us – perhaps because the imagery can get scattered and are individually not as protected as when bound into a book. Further, we take a lot of care in designing the presentation of our images, so that they are complimentary to one another. Images properly paired can explain a point without the need of text.”

Antarctica, printed in Vancouver, is the first commercial application of a new high-resolution offset technology. The Keoughs are justifiably proud of the brilliance and clarity with which their images have been reproduced. It's too bad most readers won't have the opportunity to look at the book with the couple by their side: their enthusiasm for the project, and background details aobut each of the images, makes the scope of the project even more impressive.

Binding is being undertaken by Keith Felton's workshop in Ontario. While copies of Antarctica were unveiled at the start of 2002, binding will continue through 2003. Each of the 1000 books is signed by Queen Noor of Jordan and the Keoughs. Five books will also be autographed by about 20 Antarctic explorers, scientists, and adventurers including Alaska's Norman Vaughan (dog-driver for Admiral Byrd's Antarctic expeditions 1928-29 and 1930), Norways' Liv Arnesen (first woman to solo to the South Pole unsupported), Britain's Ron Lewis-Smith (38 years researching Antarctic plants) and New Zealand's Sir Edmund Hillary (co-leader 1957 Commonwealth Transantarctic Expedition). All net proceeds are pledged to international albatross conservation programs Further details about this US $2,900 tome can be found at the Keoughs' website, www.keough-art.com.