This is an edition of The Wonder Reader, a newsletter in which our editors recommend a set of stories to spark your curiosity and fill you with delight. Sign up here to get it every Saturday morning.
One of my highlights of the past year has been receiving your weekly emails with photos that spark a sense of awe in the world around you. In reviewing your submissions, I’ve most enjoyed seeing how the beholder’s mind works. Sometimes it’s the subtle beauty of a scene or a moment that you all focus on—the mischievous look in the eye of a person or an animal rather than the stunning vista they might be standing in front of.
I find that same sense of personality and whimsy in so many of the photos that our editor Alan Taylor compiles. Today’s newsletter rounds up some of my favorites of his photo essays. I hope you enjoy scrolling through these scenes of natural life and human connection, both ordinary and extraordinary.
Wondrous Imagery
Weird, Wonderful Photos From the Archives
By Alan Taylor
A grab bag of curious and interesting historical images from the 20th century, depicting stunt diving, inventions, unusual war training, giant household objects, scenes from daily life, and much more
Read the article.
Photos: The Colors of Fall
By Alan Taylor
As the days grow shorter and the nights become a bit chillier, animals are migrating and leaves are changing colors. Gathered below are some colorful early-autumn images from across the Northern Hemisphere.
Read the article.
The Colors of the World, Seen From the International Space Station
By Alan Taylor
Recent photographs from crew members aboard the ISS show some spectacular views of auroras, moonsets, the Milky Way, and more, seen from from their vantage point in orbit.
Read the article.
Still Curious?
Other Diversions
P.S.
Courtesy of Val M.
I recently asked readers to share a photo of something that sparks their sense of awe in the world. Val M., 74, from Anchorage, Alaska, shared this photo of Skye, “who is so expressive and loving. You can see it in his eyes. He is a wonder! Dogs are amazing. I used to take one of my dogs to work, doing play therapy with children,” Val writes.
I’ll continue to feature your responses in the coming weeks.
— Isabel
