PHAIDON

Dogdogs

One hardly knows where to look first: at the dogs or at the sheer brilliance of Elliott Erwitt’s camera lens. DogDogs is, quite simply, a canine carnival in book form: 500 splendid photographs capturing pups in every conceivable attitude of gaiety, mischief, and downright charm.

There are Poodles preening like duchesses, Golden Retrievers enthusiastically pursuing sticks with the single-mindedness of club secretaries, and Highland Terriers leaping into the air as if auditioning for a West End musical. Each image is printed in glorious duotone, giving the whole affair the gravitas of high art, while remaining entirely devoted to wagging tails and wet noses.

As if that weren’t enough, the volume includes a sparkling essay by P.G. Wodehouse himself — a fellow enthusiast of dogs and good cheer — making this reissue a veritable treat for anyone with a fondness for four-legged companions and a well-turned phrase.

Bravo, ol' chap!