Few books manage to bridge the past and present with as much wit, depth, and irreverent charm as Then & Now by Dr. Rod Lichtman. This beautifully curated exploration of Bushman rock art juxtaposed with modern wildlife photography is not just a visual delight – it is a thought- provoking commentary on humanity’s evolving relationship with nature.

Lichtman’s narrative is both scholarly and playful, blending decades of field experience with an unfiltered, often humorous voice. From the sweeping plains of Namibia to the intricate carvings and paintings left behind by ancient hands, he takes readers on a journey that is part archaeology, part photography, and wholly captivating. Through each chapter, the book poses fundamental questions: Why did our ancestors depict animals in their art? What meaning did they assign to these creatures? And what do these same animals represent in our world today?

What sets Then & Now apart is its unique storytelling approach. Lichtman does not shy away from bold, provocative reflection. On conservation, on the contradictions of modern wildlife management, and even on the absurdity of some academic interpretations of rock art. He invites readers to see these ancient paintings not as relics of a forgotten time, but as echoes of an ongoing conversation between humans and nature.

Visually stunning, Then & Now pairs breathtaking photography of wildlife – elephants, rhinos, lions, and more – with their ancient rock-art counterparts, offering a powerful contrast between past reverence and present-day realities. The book is both a love letter to the wild and a call to protect what remains.

For lovers of history, conservation, and the untamed beauty of Africa, Then & Now is an absolute must-read. Whether you are drawn to its captivating imagery, its rich historical insights, or Lichtman’s unfiltered musings, this book will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wild creatures that have shaped our past…     and continue to shape our future. TN