Photographer Peter Beard's death was as headline-generating as his life. In failing health, Beard did what any animal in his beloved African wilds would do. He took himself off into the woods behind his Montauk home to die. After a days' long search that aroused fevered speculation, Beard's body was discovered mere yards from his door, inexplicably close, impossibly unseen. There was a kind of symmetry to the act. If Beard's African wildlife photography and mixed-media diary collages were densely layered and open to interpretation, his death was almost primeval in its simplicity. If Beard's personal life was tabloid drama incarnate-- jet-setting cronies bearing piles of cocaine, high-fashion models as lovers and wives--his death was muted and solitary. Journalist and editor Wallace crafts an unrestrained portrait of the enigmatic art-world icon that is as appreciative of Beard's multifaceted talent as it is cognizant of his mercurial temperament and emotional turmoil. The result is intimate and vibrant, a sharp-witted yet introspective assessment of the existential passions that fueled such a fierce creative spark. For more on Beard, see Wild, by Graham Boynton (2022).

Journalist Wallace provides an insightful accounting of Peter Beard's outsized life and character. Beard (1938--2020) was a legendary adventurous artist and wildlife photographer who maximized his experiences around the globe. His photography depicted dramatic images of Africa's wildlife and spanned the fashion world, which included working with famous models. Wallace says Beard had a "yearn to preserve," to collect moments and experiences, using photography to help synthesize his memories. Coming from a well-educated family with adventurous roots and an appreciation for fine art, he later translated that into his personal and professional life. He became pessimistic about social constructs such as marriage and social clubs, calling them phony. Contradictory to this attitude, he was well-connected to high society, which led to his collaboration with Andy Warhol, a tour with the Rolling Stones, and his attendance at bullfights with Picasso. Wallace was a long-time admirer of Beard and became friends with him in his later years, which lends intimacy to this portrait of the artist's life. This book is thorough and will keep readers engaged. VERDICT Overall, Beard's life reads like the adventure it was. Recommended for both general interest readers and photography enthusiasts.--Gary Medina