Cécile and Nicolas Guilbert's 'Animaux & Cie' explores human-animal bonds through photography and literature

The book 'Animaux & Cie' by Cécile and Nicolas Guilbert, published by Éditions Grasset, combines Nicolas Guilbert's worldwide photographic reportages with Cécile Guilbert's profound reflection on the human-animal relationship. The work delves into themes of suffering, death, memory, and potential communion between species. Cécile Guilbert, a writer, uses her husband's images—captured by a 'reportage photographer' she describes as being in 'perfect working order'—to explore the animal's instinct and unlimited freedom, while also revealing Nicolas Guilbert's own human qualities. The book is framed by a quote from Hemingway, 'Dogs have to shit, just like men. / But I like dogs better. / In short,' and references other writers like Céline, Kundera, Kerouac, and Gary who have written on animal death rather than mere perishing. Jacques Henric contributes an introductory text.