Book excerpt: Each beautiful beast is shown posed against a drapery backdrop, photographed primped and preened ready for competition. Top international breeds are showcased here for their doting public, and graphic charts with all the essential breed information are also included. There’s also a potted history of cattle, an introduction to the breed basics, plus reportage photography of the behind-the-scenes preparation and backstage nerves at the agricultural shows. Beautiful Cows is the perfect book for anyone from farmers and committed cow connoisseurs looking to beef up their book collection to lovers of fine photography and natural beauty. An inspired gift, this is also the ideal conversation piece for any gathering—just leave it on the coffee table and prepare to milk the applause.