Natural Treasures of Hungary [antikvár]

I greet the reader! And with frank respect, I greet the author, the former student of Sárospatak, the lover of Zemplén county, and the artist with his penchant for the most Hungárián of our rivers, the Tisza, which as we all know, has undergone many trials and tribulations recently. I pay my respects to this photographer, this master of the camera, who has reached the zenith of his twenty year long career, just as I greet this passionate, thought provoking man who understands nature so deeply. László Mészáros here gives a superb review of Hungary's natural treasures. He has examined things that others in Hungary tend to overlook. But they represent an irreplacable natural treasure, with which Hungary can justly add to Europe's heritage. This millenium selection is a wise and spectacular one. It is wise, because it presents somé of the most characteristic natural landscapes in Hungary, as well as somé of those endangered animals and plants that inhabit them. And it is spectacular in the true sense of the word, because his photos are more than simply the superb products of end of the century technology. This book is a sensitve and thoughtful artist's tribute to the environment he lives in. And it is a warning to us all: we have much to lose, and much is at stake. Just how long we can enjoy Hungary's woods and rivers, plains and caves, depends very much on us all. Our actions decide for just how much longer we can enjoy the sound of our larks, the phenomeonon of cranes in the sky, the play of grey herons by the water, the sight of kingfrshers and spotted redshanks, not to mention the appearance of rare orchids in our forests and marshlands. How much longer can we boast that the meadow viper only lives in Hungary, or that the acquatic warbler nests here? László Mészáros' picture of Hungary is uplifting, reassuring and thought provoking. To the mind, eye, and soul alike. He deserves to be thanked for it. By us all. I'd like to wish all our readers the most enjoyable country expeditions, as they follow in László Mészáros' footsteps. János Tardy Deputy Secreta/y of State, Head of Authority for Nature Coiwervation, MuiLitry of Environment