Thank-You
On behalf of the whole team for the book Land der Pässe - Eine Zeitreise in die heutige Schweiz (Alpine Passes of Switzerland - Journey to Modernity), we wish to graciously thank the Deutscher Fotobuchpreis for attributing to our publication the gold medal prize in the Illustrated Book category at a ceremony in Regensburg November 23, 2024.
German and English versions: —> Scheidegger & Spiess, Zürich
French version: —> Infolio, Gollion
“There is no question in my mind, that this new book, through word and image, offers a new and valuable perspective on our understanding of the Swiss Alps.”
Val Muranza – Umbrail Pass (GR)
“For me Richard is one of the last Gentleman Landscape Photographers”
Il Viandante – Saint Gotthard Hospice (TI)
« Route » by Nicolas Lieber (27 sec)
“May this book transport you to far horizons, may it inspire you to discover the places of mystery and majesty contained herein, and may its images invite you to explore, contemplate, and preserve the fragile beauty of our world.”
The switchbacks on the road from Gletsch to Belvédère, on the Valais side of the Furka Pass.
Printing of the book «Alpine Passes of Switzerland» at Genoud SA.
“Alpine Passes of Switzerland is more than just a book of photographs: it is an ode to nature, to history, and to the balance between man and his environment. It is an invitation to explore winding paths, climb imposing summits, and gaze and marvel at the grandeur of Alpine landscapes.”
L’hiver à la Bernina – Bernina Pass (GR)
Les traces de l’histoire – Schöllenen Gorge (UR)
“Interestingly, however, it was a British officer, John L. A. Simmons (1821–1903), who recommended fortifying the Simplon and Gotthard passes.”
Ospizio KM 5 – Saint-Gotthard Pass (TI)
La Confédération des XIII Cantons, 1515 © Marco Zanoli 2023 – Map from the book «Alpine Passes of Switzerland»
Excerpt from the book «Alpine Passes of Switzerland».
“Along with the desert and the ocean, the pass is a border with blurred contours, beyond which reality changes in nature.”
« Matin II » by Nicolas Lieber (28 sec)
At Genoud Arts Graphiques SA verifying the first test prints with, from right to left: director of operations Sébastien Gasser, press operator Loïc, graphic designer Bernard Stackelberg, and my photographic printer Douglas Parsons.
The famous Hotel Belvédère with the clearly visible moraine from the endlessly retreating Rhône Glacier in the background
“Alpine passes grace the greater part of Swiss territory: 2,187 passes have been named and of these 120 are today serviced roads.”
It is the 19th of September on the Valais side of the Nufenen Pass and the atmosphere, light, and colors have turned to autumn.
“In winter, the Gotthard and Grisons passes could only be crossed by dint of considerable effort and additional risk.”
“Neige” by Nicolas Lieber (39 sec)
“... a place of terror and death, it is also one of the highest spiritual elevation, where man fulfils his destiny.”
Journée d'automne au Susten
Le Barrage Santa Maria – Lukmanier Pass (GR)
“The Romans called it portus in the sense of opening or passage, but also (sea)port, asylum and refuge.”
“Matin I” by Nicolas Lieber (16 sec)
Julier Pass (GR)
“This project on the Alpine Passes of Switzerland, which is now coming to a close, was not as ambitious in its initial stages, but became enriched by the authors and their texts, as well as by the decision to translate the book into several languages.”
Hotel Grimsel Hospiz, Guttannen (BE)
“Delving deeper, I found that while there were many books about mountains and the history of mountaineering, there were surprisingly few publications about Alpine passes.”
“Vert” by Nicolas Lieber (20 sec)
Le glacier disparu - Furka Route (VS)
“I was once again awestruck by the magnificent high-altitude views and the atmospheric tones heralding the arrival of autumn.”
L'aurore à la Furka - Furka Pass (UR)
“As the days went by, I realised that photographs alone could not do justice to the significance of these places.”
“Nuit” by Nicolas Lieber (27 sec)
Vue sur le Mt. Vélan, le soir - Great St Bernard Pass (VS)
La Combe des Morts - Great St Bernard Pass (VS)
“These places are an invitation to follow winding paths and let our gaze fill us with admiration for the grandeur of Alpine landscapes.”