"An up-close look at the remarkable, distinctive bison and its cultural significance in the American West. The first book of its kind, Bison: Portrait of an Icon tells the story of the bison--its history, majesty, cultural significance, and comeback story--through the stunning, dramatic photography of Audrey Hall. Even more, woven throughout these visually captivating photographs is an extended essay by author Chase Reynolds Ewald. Brought back from the brink of extinction, the bison today--with its rugged, primitive build, its remarkable speed and hardiness, its primeval wooly hide, and its shear strength--is an icon as distinctively American as the bald eagle"-- Provided by publisher.