Swift as a Shadow:Extinct and Endangered Animals is part science book part art book. It is the result of photographer Rosamond Purcell's invitation to photograph the extensive taxidermy collection of a Scandinavian natural history museum. Purcell chose to only include extinct and endangered animals in the book which makes the fact that her images are of stuffed animals rather than living creatures more significant. Especially for creatures extinct so long and preserved so awkwardly that it is clear the it's only remaining likeness is a poor representation of the original creature.

Each photo is accompanied by a brief description of the animal, where it lived and how its existence was cut short or is at risk. There a lot of interesting details, like the Laughing Owl's fatal affinity for accordion music and the Bush Wren's extinction being single-handedly orchestrated by a cat named Tibbles. ( )