Forthcoming in October is a monumental and magnificent book of photography published by the Yale University Art Gallery: Western Landscapes by legendary American photographer Lee Friedlander (b. 1934). Friedlander is arguably most famous for his images of people, but this compilation features more than 175 images of the landscape of the western United States, Canada, and Mexico, taken during the 1990s and 2000s, and the photos are breathtaking. The selection encompasses mountains, deserts, icy plains, and forests alike, capturing the majesty of crashing waves and towering peaks as well as the humble beauty of mottled stones and tangled twigs. Friedlander showcases in crisp black and white some of the most prominent and treasured American national parks—including Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Zion.

Between now and the book’s release, of course, we have the vast expanse of August, a month that for many means vacation, and September. With thanks to Mr. Friedlander and our colleagues at the Yale University Art Gallery, here’s a series of photos from the book that have been fueling our holiday fantasy life. We would escape to any of these places:

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 1996. Gelatin silver print. © Lee Friedlander, Courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Stinson Beach, California, 2003. Gelatin silver print. © Lee Friedlander, Courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Mount Saint Helens, Washington, 2001. Gelatin silver print. © Lee Friedlander, Courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Yosemite National Park, California, 2004. Gelatin silver print. © Lee Friedlander, Courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Sonoran Desert, Arizona, 1995. Gelatin silver print. © Lee Friedlander, Courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Arches National Park, Utah, 2007. Gelatin silver print. © Lee Friedlander, Courtesy Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco

Lee Friedlander is a photographer based in Rockland County, New York.

Further Reading: