Cirque du Soleil Founder Photographs Earth from Int'l Space Station

NEW YORK, NY - ASSOULINE announced the publication of a groundbreaking new title. Guy Lalibert�, founder of Cirque du Soleil, documents his experience in space in the first-ever book published by a private space explorer. Featuring his photographs of Earth-as seen from the International Space Station-this evocative piece showcases Lalibert�'s captivation with Earth's surface, showing the colors and textures of 40 countries visible from 220 miles away.

Traveling at 17,500 miles per hour, while making 16 tours of the earth every day, this photographer in motion and his "stable" subject made for truly original conditions.

Using the Nikon D3S and Nikon D3X digital-SLR cameras, Lalibert� shares 300 pages of images in which deserts resemble contemporary abstract paintings, cities rise up like mini mountain ranges, and faces and figures are revealed in nature.

For the first time ever, ASSOULINE introduces a book with adjacent bi-lingual text (both French and English) in three unique formats: a trade edition in hardcover; a limited-release Ultimate Collection, in a fabric-covered clamshell presentation box; and, most exclusively, an artist's limited luxury handbound edition in extra-large format, complete with a cloth debossed cover and silver foil accents to illustrate the diversity of the images.

Lalibert� dedicated his personal spaceflight to raising awareness about water issues facing humankind, making his the first-in his own words-"poetic social mission" in space. Proceeds from book sales go to One Drop, a nonprofit organization initiated by Lalibert� to fight poverty worldwide by ensuring that everyone across the planet has access to clean water, now and in the future.

Guy Lalibert� was born in Qu�bec City. An accordionist, stilt walker, and fire-eater, he founded Cirque du Soleil, Qu�bec's first internationally renowned circus, with the support of a small group of colleagues. A bold visionary, Lalibert� recognized and cultivated the talents of the street performers from the F�te foraine de Baie-Saint-Paul. He was the first to orchestrate the marriage of cultures and artistic and acrobatic disciplines that is the hallmark of Cirque du Soleil.

Since 1984, he has guided the creative team through the creation of every show. Today, Cirque du Soleil is a sprawling international operation, as much in its makeup as in the scope of its activities and influence. Lalibert� now heads an organization with activities on five continents.

Renowned for their highly original graphic concept, ASSOULINE books and luxury gift items are works of art that capture culture and bring it to life. The spirit and savoir-faire of the company have contributed to the creation of a unique and eclectic, chic and elegant brand that is immediately identifiable. ASSOULINE has published over 1,000 titles across international markets on subjects including fashion, art, architecture & design, gastronomy, photography, travel, and viticulture.

Gaia is available for purchase at ASSOULINE Boutiques worldwide and through www.assouline.com

Direct link to the product pages may be found here: http://www.assouline.com/9782759405336.html

Trade Edition � 9 1/2 x 12 3/4" � 24.13 x 32.4 cm � 304 pages � hardcover � ISBN: 9782759405343 � 65$US - 68$CA - 51� - 42�

Special Edition � Ultimate Collection � 14 x 17" � 35.5 x 43.3 cm � 144 pages � hardcover clamshell box � 875$US - 960$CA - 744� - 617�

Saturn Edition � Artist's Limited Luxury Edition � 17 x 24" � 43 x 61 cm � 178 pages � hardcover cloth with foil accent � 7000$US - 7000$CA - 5000� - 4500�