Hot Springs

“In both the striking photos—a mix of wide-angled shots and portraits of those who visit or maintain the springs—and text, Rybus reveals how soaking can inspire self-reflection, hold spiritual significance (a priest of Himachal Pradesh’s Hot Water Temples in India explains, ‘We believe in the hot water… . When you bathe in the water, you know its power.’), and connect bathers to the earth, ‘literally introducing us to the hidden core of the place we call home.’ The author’s reverence for her subject comes through in dreamy prose that never overpowers the serene, striking photos.”—Publishers Weekly

Greta Rybus is a photojournalist based in Maine who specializes in documenting human experiences of the environment. Born in Idaho, she studied photojournalism and cultural anthropology at the University of Montana. She is an assignment photographer for the New York Times, Travel + Leisure, The Guardian, and other magazines and newspapers. She is happiest when soaking in hot water, meeting new people, and exploring new places.