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Uncommon Valor, Common Virtue
An in-depth account of the World War II battle of Iwo Jima, immortalized in Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of the raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi, describes the events of the battle between U.S. Marines and Japanese forces, as well as Rosenthal's ten days on Iwo Jima during the conflict, in a narrative complemented by more than 120 archival combat photographs. 50,000 first printing.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2006
23 people want to read
About the author
Hal Buell
39 books3 followersHal Buell is the former head of the Photography Service (photography director) at the Associated Press. He is also the author of Moments: The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographs and Uncommon Valor, Common Virtue, a book about war photographer Joe Rosenthal. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Buell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Buell
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 14, 2016
This is an somewhat oversized book on the invasion of Iwo Jima. There is also a DVD with the book that contains numerous photos.
One thing that at least some people don't know is that there were two flags raised at Iwo Jima. This book tells the story of the taking of the island, the raising of both flags, and the lives of the various photographers involved. It is also filled with photographs. It's a very interesting book.
As usual, I'll only point out a few highlights. The book notes that about 7,000 Americans died and 21,000 were wounded. Over 20,000 Japanese died. It was an incredibly important island for both sides; for the Japanese, as a defense against further American intrusion on their lands, and for the Americans it was a place that could be used for landing and launching aircraft.
The photographs tell the story as well as if not better than any narration could. The book also includes information on what happened after the taking of the island, and how the image of the flag being raised was used to raise lots of money in bond drives back in the States.
One thing that at least some people don't know is that there were two flags raised at Iwo Jima. This book tells the story of the taking of the island, the raising of both flags, and the lives of the various photographers involved. It is also filled with photographs. It's a very interesting book.
As usual, I'll only point out a few highlights. The book notes that about 7,000 Americans died and 21,000 were wounded. Over 20,000 Japanese died. It was an incredibly important island for both sides; for the Japanese, as a defense against further American intrusion on their lands, and for the Americans it was a place that could be used for landing and launching aircraft.
The photographs tell the story as well as if not better than any narration could. The book also includes information on what happened after the taking of the island, and how the image of the flag being raised was used to raise lots of money in bond drives back in the States.
February 21, 2012
This photo-essay satisfactorily defends Rosenthal's Pulitzer photo as NOT belong staged. My favorite photo is the Colorado cornfield mowed in 2004 to depict the flag-raising. I've read other material about Ira Hayes, but this is the first time I've read that he was not the only one to succumb to alcoholism. Particularly interesting were the Medal of Honor citations - so many described men throwing themselves on top of bombs/grenades to save fellow soldiers. Not so different than in any other war, but this should be read as a reminder of the price of freedom.
A few typos were annoying.
The memorial in Arlington is one of the few I've visited. It was impressive even before my recent interest in history.
A few typos were annoying.
The memorial in Arlington is one of the few I've visited. It was impressive even before my recent interest in history.
October 25, 2008
Short & easy read about the battle for Iwo Jima & the history of the iconic picture... LAVISHLY illustrated with photos from Joe Rosenthal (the guy who took the picture) and many others. Very impressive.
March 31, 2009
The DVD enclosed with this book has new material I never saw before.
And the story of how the Iwo picture came to be is told by the guy who did it.
And the story of how the Iwo picture came to be is told by the guy who did it.
April 6, 2016
excellent!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews