Ian Coristine’s 5th book of Thousand Islands photography is a compilation of his award-winning work published in a unique and spectacular format. This new book is more than a stunning overview of a magnificent but relatively unknown region. It uses the extreme gloss found on high quality book covers on every page, resulting in what may well be the "world's first book of covers.” This lustrous gloss adds a depth and vibrancy to the images not seen in a book before. Every image is a Coristine "best" from his library of 30,000+ images. Coristine is a Challenger floatplane pilot well known for his spectacular low-level aerial photography of the Thousand Islands. His 4 earlier books, described as “treasures,” have all been bestsellers and his images, regularly featured in international magazines, are called "breathtaking.” Coristine’s first book sold out three large printings with copies occasionally appearing on eBay commanding prices as high as $400. “On a random flight in 1992, I stumbled across the Thousand Islands. It was love at first sight" says Coristine. "Three years later I bought a unique island with a natural harbor to shelter my plane from marauding storms. My photography began simply to share my amazing discovery with friends." However friends and strangers alike responded with fervor to the unusually low and close perspective his plane provides and Ian was encouraged to publish his work. He began by producing his first book of images in a high quality format that used an unusual padded hard cover with matte, gloss and gold foil. Instead of plain paper end sheets, he created two maps with page numbers showing where every image was taken so the book could serve as a guide when on the River as well as a treasured memento for the coffee table at home. “I realized I had a unique opportunity, perhaps even an obligation," says Coristine. "Unlike most photographers who are sent on brief assignments, I was living in the assignment with the perfect plane for photography and all the time in the world to await the magic that refuses to come on order. 22 years of exacting air-to-air photography in my former business had trained me perfectly to shoot low, slow and close with comfort and safety. I realized that if I didn't do this, it was very unlikely these ingredients would come together again and I felt strongly enough about the place that I believed it must happen." Says Coristine, "This is my last book of photography. I wanted it to be the very best in terms of images and quality. Surprisingly, it took a global search to find a printer who could produce pages with extreme gloss and the result is a wonderful surprise when you first crack the cover." It seems Coristine is not the only one who thinks this book is a "best." In July 2010, The very best of Ian Coristine's 1000 Islands was selected from over 5,000 entries submitted by major publishing houses from around the world for the prestigious Premier Print Awards "Benny," named for Benjamin Franklin. This is the graphic arts industry's largest and most prestigious worldwide printing competition which recognizes those responsible for the creation and production of outstanding print communications. It is actually Coristine's second "Benny," having previously won the award in 2007 for his booklet 1000 Islands. Don't miss: multimedia presentation of Ian Coristine's new book featuring an original soundtrack by Tony Dekker of Great Lake Swimmers. 
Absolutely amazing! I can't wait to get my hands on copies of a "book of covers". Doug Rawlinson
I am so looking forward to your latest book. My husband and I spend 6 months on Willow Island (One Tenth of an Acre) which sits north of Gordon Island His Grt. Uncle Standish Williamson purchased it in 1901, thence to Harold in 1965. So it seems that we have an affection for the River and island and have enjoyed your books in the past and know we will be pleased to see the new one in June sometime. Beth White
I am looking forward to your new book Volume V. I have all of your previous books in my library and look at them often. Your talent in capturing the essence of the islands in photos is wonderful. Thank you so much for all the images. Janet Gilbert, Douglassville, PA
Thanks, Ian - I have all your other books, and love them. My Grand Parents were from Alex. Bay, and worked for the Boldt`s, and later on, for Mrs. Baird, and I have spent all my life on the River - I was 5 years old, when we were in my Father`s boat - watching the 4th of July fireworks at Boldt Castle, when the fireworks hit the Power house and set it on fire - I believe it was back in 1939 - have never forgotten that. Today, Boldt Castle is a beautiful spot, and our daughter was married there by the Italian flower gardens, in front of the Power House. During the ceremony, Cigarette boats went by, during a Poker Run, startling us all, but making it all the more fun!!!!
Like everyone else has said, your photographs are a work of art, and I enjoy looking at them, over and over.
I`m sure your new book will be a Masterpiece!! Thanks for giving us all some beautiful photographs to look at, and to remember all these wonderful places. I am really sorry this is your last book ....I will always treasure all your books. Many, many thanks. Sally l'Huillier
We have enjoyed your other books so much, and are looking forward to this one. We are new (this will be our 4th yr on Stave Island) to the 1000 islands and have enjoyed ingesting as much literature as we can about the area. Your books and website not only let us see the whole river, but allow us to enjoy it all winter long! Antonia & Andrew Mullen, Radnor PA
My wife and I have a cottage on Clear Lake and pass through a few times a year and it is always beautiful to us. We bought your first book at the Antique store in Elgin a while ago and have enjoyed it. My father has looked at it several times and always comments on the printing quality, he is a retired printer.
PS We love for your web camera and check it every chance we get. It is
like a mini vacation to break up the workday. Matt Tarr
To Ian and his fans: I had the privilege of being presented book number 3, which came off the press in late April. As the editor of Thousand Island Life, the online magazine, I can emphatically say, “His new book is really outstanding and it does “raise the bar.” Thousand Islands Life Magazine has three articles in our "May 2010 issue". The book is introduced in "TI Life in May 2010", we take the opportunity to thank this amazing individual in "Many thanks, Ian", and we learn more about Ian and the Great Lake Swimmers in "Photos and Music Celebrate the Thousand Islands written by Erin McCarthy Brick". All three were a pleasure to post! Susan W. Smith
I am so looking forward to this book. Every month I have a new photograph from Ian on my computer monitor. I imagine myself back on the St. Lawrence River and all the memories I have and future ones to come. All the books are amazing. I cannot wait for this one. I have been vacationing up in the Thousand Islands since I was a baby and my parents and grandparents before them. You could say the river runs in my blood. As a photographer myself, I always look forward to the next vacation to the area and to see what new I can capture myself. None of my photos compare to Ian's, but someday they will. All of your work is amazing. I am really looking forward to this book. Lisa Anthony, West Chester, Pa
It arrived just a few minutes ago. Gwen and I are enjoying every magical page. It is the "Best" but, in our minds, this book underscores the beauty of the other of your works which we love showing off at our Scottsdale home.
We'd like to reserve another copy for our Grindstone cottage. We can pick it up at the Opera House the evening of your Grand Unveiling. Again, thank you. Everyone who loves the River will appreciate this treasure. Gwen and Bill Taylor
Received my copy of your latest book. One word"FANTASTIC". Thanks for such a great book. Bob Schmidt
I wrote about you today. Thanks for new inspiration! Weirview Photography, Gananoque Reporter, Brockville Recorder and Times
Laurie Matheson
Thank you so much for the wonderful new book. I was very pleased to find my copy had been shipped and it was waiting for me upon my return from vacation. It is wonderful, and I am sorry it is to be your last. We can only hope that somewhere in the furture you will change your mind and decide to give us the gift of additional photo books.
Jan Gilbert Douglassville, PA
I just had to send you an email and congratulate you on the beautiful work of art you have created in the 1000 Islands book. The pictures are magnificent, the commentary witty and articulate. Thanks for sharing your talent. It is truly a beautiful book!! Larry Journal, Brockville, ON
What a lovely book! You continue to set the bar at higher, higher and higher altitudes. Congratulations on your very best. Kim Lunman, Brockville, ON
I am very excited to receive this book. I was born in Alexandria Bay, and so were my parents and their parents. We went every weekend during the summer to visit my grandparents that owned an island. I learned how to swim in the St. Lawrence River. I've visited Boldt Castle, watched the iceburgs float down the river, learned how to fish, been to many clam bakes, and have some wonderful memories of family and friends there. I plan to share this book with everyone in my nuclear family, but especially my parents, and my sister. Thank you for bringing this place to life for us! Terry Pflaumer
I picked up a copy of your latest book at Corbin’s this past weekend. If I had to pick one word that sums up my reaction to the book, it would be GLORIOUS! The cover caught my eye the moment I walked into the shop. The gloss paper really makes the photographs come alive. They seem to jump off the page! I have never seen a book quite like this. Once again, you have captured the essence and spirit of the River. Thank you for sharing your special vision of a place we all love and cherish. Robert Charron
Just a note to say I received the book and it is spectacular. Will be ordering a few more copies for gifts shortly. Matt Tarr, Newport, Delaware
Absolutely breathtakingly stunning photos!! My absolute favorite shot is the head-on shot of the freighter under the bridge - and I love the story behind it...I can imagine hearing those five blasts! I hope we can get an autographed copy of your latest book to complete our set! Brenda Stewart Abrams
I just received your latest book and it is fantastic. I can't imagine an improvement over your other ones, but it truly is. The love of your heart....in print form. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us.
Dennis Risk, Sun City Center, FL
We just bought your latest book, simply amazing. Yvette Parent, Ottawa
Congratulations on your new book (which is on our coffee table) … it is absolutely stunning! Deb Cripps, Linwood, ON
We love the last book (actually all of them) and continue to enjoy the live camera feed. I just ordered a few book as Christmas presents for family and friends to share your work with them. Matt Tarr, Newark Delaware |
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