Gerda Taro: Inventing Robert Capa

by Jane Rogoyska

A reexamination of the woman who created the legend of Robert Capa, the world's first female photojournalist to die in combat, Gerda Taro

In Paris in 1934, a young and beautiful Jewish émigrée, Gerda Pohorylles, met a Hungarian political exile, André Friedmann. They reinvented themselves as the photographers Gerda Taro and Robert Capa—and he would become the most important photojournalist of his generation. When Gerda was killed in the Spanish Civil war at the age of 26, Robert Capa was her most notable mourner—his grief was beyond control. Her funeral drew crowds of thousands and she became a hero of the political left. Despite the legend that was built around her, she subsequently became a mere footnote in Capa's story. Seventy years after her death a long-lost suitcase was discovered in Mexico, containing thousands of negatives by Capa and Taro. Most astonishingly of all, the "Mexican suitcase" showed that photographs that had been attributed previously to Capa were, in fact, the work of Taro. Jane Rogoyska's book will trace Taro's life and reveal the depth of her relationship with Capa. Charismatic and extraordinary, they epitomized one of the most tumultuous periods of the century.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction

246 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Brian Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerda Taro, arguably the first female war photographer, and certainly the first female conflict photographer killed in a war zone, has always existed in death as in life in the shadow of Robert Capa, an identity she helped create as much as “Capa” was a creation of André Friedmann. In this excellent biography by Jane Rogoyska, Taro steps out of the shadow as much as might be possible, for Taro and Capa are, indeed, inseparable. In her short life and all too short career, Taro proved herself a creditable photojournalist with vision & talent. One can only imagine what an impact she would have made on the profession had not that tank skidded out of control on a muddy Spanish road on July 26th, 1937. And one can mourn.

On the eve of venturing into the battle that ended her life, Taro told a journalist from Regards: “It is events alone which command me to stay. If things get rough, I’ll stay a few more days. It is why I am here.” (p. 193) Such a sentiment echoes through the decades and might be something you would have heard from Dickey Chapelle, or hear today from the likes of Lynsey Addario. But Taro was the first; and Rogoyska’s Gerda Taro: Inventing Robert Capa is a worthy tribute.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerda Taro: Inventing Robert Capa is a wonderful book. There’s not too much information on Taro given that she had a sadly very short career and was only 26 years old when she died, but the author does an excellent job telling Taro’s story and how she came to create the Robert Capa we know today. I was fortunate to have seen the exhibit The Mexican Suitcase when it was on view at the International Center of Photography in NYC. I was just beginning my foray into the fascinating world of the history of photography and the exhibit couldn’t have come at a better time. I was impressionable and had a voracious appetite to learn about anything dealing with photo history. The story of Gerda Taro, Robert Capa, and Chim’s photographs, how and when they took the photos and how they were recently rediscovered grabbed my attention and has never fully let go. Gerda Taro’s story is one from history that will always fascinate and inspire me and will never leave my conscience. It’s sad to think what she could have done in the world of photojournalism and what her legacy could have been. With the discovery of the Mexican Suitcase and these wonderful books, including this one, being written about Taro, I can only hope her legacy will grow and become more well known.

[Milan Vrekic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book delves into their early days, the creation of the "Robert Capa" persona, and partnership between Capa and Taro. The book vividly recounts Taro's meteoric rise as a photojournalist while emphasizing the tragic brevity of her life—she died at just 26 while covering the Spanish Civil War. This heartbreaking loss adds a poignant layer to the narrative, underscoring the immense risks and sacrifices behind iconic images of conflict.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerda Taro's life and photography is heavily overshadowed by that of her legendary companion, Robert Capa, so this book is an important contribution to her story. More than anything, we should remember Gerda as someone with deep convictions who unhesitantly bound her life to the cause of justice. She is the predecessor to many greats who came after her, including Camille LePage and Marie Colvin.

[Richard Ramhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting biography of a young person becoming a war correspondent. Hers are probably not the greatest photos. But she has a fascinating backstory. The author does a nice job putting her into context of the Spanish Civil War, which doesn't get enough time in history class. I really enjoyed the book.

[Veroni · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A man with dreams needs a woman with vision.

Her perspective, faith, and support will change his reality. If she doesn't challenge you, then she's no good for you. Men who want to stay ordinary will tell you not to have expectations of them. Men who want to be great will expect you to push them, pray with them and invest in them."

[Tim Heintzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An illuminating biography and coffee table book about a virtually unknown photojournalist during the Spanish Civil War. Well written and filled with amazing photos that compliment the text.

[Kip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic biography with some really great details.