The splendor and infinite variety of flowers have long served as an inspiration to the world's greatest photographers. Robert Mapplethorpe, Man Ray, Edward Steichen and others have all made important contributions to this genre.

Now in Flower (Artisan, 2008, $35), a retrospective of photographer Christopher Beane's work, the art of flower photography reaches an entirely new height. Page after page of dazzling photos reveal Beane's original perspectives on the color and form of this subject. As noted by Anthony F. Janson in the book's introduction, "Beane gives fresh meaning to the medium as a whole. Just when one thinks there is nothing new under the sun, his work makes even the most jaded viewer sit up and take notice."

A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Beane became obsessed with the botanical after beginning work as a flower wholesaler in Manhattan's flower district. He would work from 4 a.m to noon in the market and then rush back to his studio to experiment with his new favorite subject. The brilliant results of the last twelve years of these explorations are displayed in 150 color and black-and-white plates in this truly magnificent book. Photographed against a range of backdrops, peonies, tulips, irises and rununculi come to life in new and unexpected ways.

Beane's artistic achievements are just one aspect of his personal triumph. In July 2005, Beane was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma. After two years of grueling treatments and surgery he was finally able to return to his camera and to produce intriguing and meaningful work. His courage in the face of this devastating illness and his determination to continue to grow as an artist despite new physical handicaps is truly inspirational.

Flower is the perfect gift book. Its passionate celebration of both the beauty of the natural world and the indomitability of the human spirit will resonate with all readers.