A celebration of a magnificent creature: the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr). This subspecies has distinct features that are the result of thousands of years of evolution, making it perfectly suited to the deserts and mountains of Arabia. An essay by wildlife conservationist Andrew Spalton charts the animal’s epic journey from Africa to Arabia over the course of half a million years, highlighting its history and its current, critically endangered status. Imagery of the Arabian leopard as a symbol of strength, freedom and fearlessness has been found in ancient rock art, mosaics and paintings over the centuries, cementing its position as a revered and respected animal in Saudi Arabia and the world.

The Royal Commission for AlUla has been focusing on wildlife conservation to protect this subspecies through the creation of the Arabian Leopard Fund. Key to these efforts is raising awareness about these beautiful cats, to galvanize local and international support for their protection. To this end, two editions of the books are available—a Classic and an Ultimate—featuring original artworks and photographs that capture the enduring spirit of the Arabian leopard.

Assouline’s Ultimate Collection is an homage to the art of luxury bookmaking. Hand-bound using traditional techniques, with color plates hand-tipped on art-quality paper, each page of this limited-edition series bears the unique imprint of the artisan. Treating a range of topics from jewelry and fashion, fine art and the ‘Impossible Collections,’ the Ultimate Collection curates culture from around the world and across the ages. Nestled in linen clamshell presentation cases, these books attract collectors, lovers of the printed page, and those who devour the culture of our time. Signaling a new level of sophistication for true connoisseurs, these unique books are works of art in their own right.

Una magnifica creatura: un libro celebra il Leopardo d’Arabia; By: Sonia S. Braga, Architectural Digest Online (Italy), April 2022