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Slightly Out of Focus: The Legendary Photojournalist's Illustrated Memoir of World War II
[Alternative cover for ISBN: 0375753966]
In 1942, a dashing young man who liked nothing so much as a heated game of poker, a good bottle of scotch, and the company of a pretty girl hopped a merchant ship to England. He was Robert Capa, the brilliant and daring photojournalist, and Collier's magazine had put him on assignment to photograph the war raging in Europe. In these pages, Capa recounts his terrifying journey through the darkest battles of World War II and shares his memories of the men and women of the Allied forces who befriended, amused, and captivated him along the way. His photographs are masterpieces -- John G. Morris, Magnum Photos' first executive editor, called Capa "the century's greatest battlefield photographer" -- and his writing is by turns riotously funny and deeply moving.
In 1942, a dashing young man who liked nothing so much as a heated game of poker, a good bottle of scotch, and the company of a pretty girl hopped a merchant ship to England. He was Robert Capa, the brilliant and daring photojournalist, and Collier's magazine had put him on assignment to photograph the war raging in Europe. In these pages, Capa recounts his terrifying journey through the darkest battles of World War II and shares his memories of the men and women of the Allied forces who befriended, amused, and captivated him along the way. His photographs are masterpieces -- John G. Morris, Magnum Photos' first executive editor, called Capa "the century's greatest battlefield photographer" -- and his writing is by turns riotously funny and deeply moving.
236 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1947
123 people are currently reading
2378 people want to read
About the author
Robert Capa
86 books56 followersRobert Capa (born Endre Ernő Friedmann) was a Hungarian–American war photographer and photojournalist. He is considered by some to be the greatest combat and adventure photographer in history.
Friedman had fled political repression in Hungary when he was a teenager, moving to Berlin, where he enrolled in college. He witnessed the rise of Hitler, which led him to move to Paris, where he met and began to work with his professional partner Gerda Taro, and they began to publish their work separately. Capa's deep friendship with David Seymour-Chim was captured in Martha Gellhorn's novella, Two by Two. He subsequently covered five wars: the Spanish Civil War, the Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II across Europe, the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, and the First Indochina War, with his photos published in major magazines and newspapers.
During his career he risked his life numerous times, most dramatically as the only civilian photographer landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He documented the course of World War II in London, North Africa, Italy, and the liberation of Paris. His friends and colleagues included Ernest Hemingway, Irwin Shaw, John Steinbeck and director John Huston.
In 1947, for his work recording World War II in pictures, U.S. general Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded Capa the Medal of Freedom. That same year, Capa co-founded Magnum Photos in Paris. The organization was the first cooperative agency for worldwide freelance photographers. Hungary has issued a stamp and a gold coin in his honor.
He was killed when he stepped on a landmine in Vietnam.
Friedman had fled political repression in Hungary when he was a teenager, moving to Berlin, where he enrolled in college. He witnessed the rise of Hitler, which led him to move to Paris, where he met and began to work with his professional partner Gerda Taro, and they began to publish their work separately. Capa's deep friendship with David Seymour-Chim was captured in Martha Gellhorn's novella, Two by Two. He subsequently covered five wars: the Spanish Civil War, the Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II across Europe, the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, and the First Indochina War, with his photos published in major magazines and newspapers.
During his career he risked his life numerous times, most dramatically as the only civilian photographer landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He documented the course of World War II in London, North Africa, Italy, and the liberation of Paris. His friends and colleagues included Ernest Hemingway, Irwin Shaw, John Steinbeck and director John Huston.
In 1947, for his work recording World War II in pictures, U.S. general Dwight D. Eisenhower awarded Capa the Medal of Freedom. That same year, Capa co-founded Magnum Photos in Paris. The organization was the first cooperative agency for worldwide freelance photographers. Hungary has issued a stamp and a gold coin in his honor.
He was killed when he stepped on a landmine in Vietnam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
March 20, 2024
Having a passion for both Photography and World War II history, I was always going to be drawn to this book like a moth to a flame. And it didn't let me down. The story Capa sets down is so worthwhile and revealing, with some stunning photographs littered throughout the book. It jumps straight into his World War II coverage with slight reference to his earlier work that opened the door for the chance to cover the war in Europe. Included is a detailed text of his time between 1942 and 1945 in places like France, Italy and Algeria. He experienced some of the most trying conditions imaginable, yet his compassion and wit shine on every page of this book. While rarely referred to directly in the text, the photographs give a good understanding of the work Capa was doing in the circumstances he describes. Included is his account of the famous D-Day landing, and four of the eight frames that survived the well-known darkroom accident where his negatives were overheated in a London film dryer. There is nothing quite like reading what the personality had to say in telling the story of his or her life. This is a fine starting point in understanding one of photojournalism's true masters. Charming and profound, Slightly Out of Focus is a marvellous memoir told in words and superb pictures. He just maybe the greatest battlefield photographer to grace the earth.
July 9, 2020
I had no right taking as long as I did reading this book. Being crazy different than anything else I have ever read, I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy this. I could not have been more wrong. It was interesting, detailed without dragging on and it was actually funny at times. It opened my eye to the war and it was a great read! Definitely recommend!
December 17, 2024
نامِ کتاب خارج از فوکوس است که کمی ناواضح هم بازگردان کرده اند. و این از آن عکس های کاپا هنگام وارد شدن سربازهای آمریکایی به ساحل نورماندی برداشته شده است. صدوشش عکسی که می اندازد در هنگام چاپ گرمای بیشتر از اندازه می بیند و کدر می شود نگاتیوها و هشت عکس شفاف دست می آید. او تنها کسی است که در آن حمله عکاس است
خارج از فوکوس، روایت کاپا از همراهی اش با سربازهاست در چند نبرد در جنگ جهانی دوم که نبردهایی تعیین کننده اند حالا در این میانه او لحنی دارد که بسیار خواندن را خوشایند می کند! لحنی که از تهِ تاریکی دارد آن لای و لجن را خیره خیره نگاه می کند و شرح می دهد. و این به گمانم از ناواضح بودن همان وضعیت می آید. ناتوانی در توصیفِ چیزی که توصیفش نمی توان کرد و اینجاست که باید شکلی دیگر حرف زد. بی راه نیست که خودمان هم همه ی این سالها لحن مان جوری است که گرفته این همه چیز را به مسخره بس که مضحکه بالا می زند و یک جاهایی فحش های جانْ دار فقط افاقه می کند. اصلن بی راه هم نیست چه بسا که همه چیز را به هم ربط بدهیم مثلن. مانند آن سرگردِ بی شرفی که ایستاده بود در سعادت آباد و خودروهایی که راننده ی زن داشتند را می ایستاند و می گفت توقیفی دارید و خودروها را می بست به یدک کش که بروند پارکینگ و یارو دستش را بمالد روی خشتکش و فانوسقه را جا به جا کند و پوزخندِ پلشتی بیاید روی لبهای زشتش که پیروزی دیگری را جشن گرفته است به خیال خودش
سیگاری روشن می کنی و آن سوی تر مردمی را می بینی که از روی سر هم بالا می روند برای گرفتنِ یک لیوان چای در لیوانِ پلاستیکی بازیافتی پای چادرهای برزنتی. می بینی چقدر همه چیز به هم بی ربط است. می بینی خودت را که از کجا به کجا می روی؟ بگذریم. کتابِ خواندنی و دیدنی و البته به هم ریختنی ای است
1403/09/27
خارج از فوکوس، روایت کاپا از همراهی اش با سربازهاست در چند نبرد در جنگ جهانی دوم که نبردهایی تعیین کننده اند حالا در این میانه او لحنی دارد که بسیار خواندن را خوشایند می کند! لحنی که از تهِ تاریکی دارد آن لای و لجن را خیره خیره نگاه می کند و شرح می دهد. و این به گمانم از ناواضح بودن همان وضعیت می آید. ناتوانی در توصیفِ چیزی که توصیفش نمی توان کرد و اینجاست که باید شکلی دیگر حرف زد. بی راه نیست که خودمان هم همه ی این سالها لحن مان جوری است که گرفته این همه چیز را به مسخره بس که مضحکه بالا می زند و یک جاهایی فحش های جانْ دار فقط افاقه می کند. اصلن بی راه هم نیست چه بسا که همه چیز را به هم ربط بدهیم مثلن. مانند آن سرگردِ بی شرفی که ایستاده بود در سعادت آباد و خودروهایی که راننده ی زن داشتند را می ایستاند و می گفت توقیفی دارید و خودروها را می بست به یدک کش که بروند پارکینگ و یارو دستش را بمالد روی خشتکش و فانوسقه را جا به جا کند و پوزخندِ پلشتی بیاید روی لبهای زشتش که پیروزی دیگری را جشن گرفته است به خیال خودش
سیگاری روشن می کنی و آن سوی تر مردمی را می بینی که از روی سر هم بالا می روند برای گرفتنِ یک لیوان چای در لیوانِ پلاستیکی بازیافتی پای چادرهای برزنتی. می بینی چقدر همه چیز به هم بی ربط است. می بینی خودت را که از کجا به کجا می روی؟ بگذریم. کتابِ خواندنی و دیدنی و البته به هم ریختنی ای است
1403/09/27
February 20, 2011
I picked up Robert Capa's book after finishing Alex Kershaw's brilliant biography about the famous photographer, "Blood and Champagne." Mesmerized by Kershaw's documentation of such a fascinating life, I couldn't wait to get my hands on "Slightly Out of Focus," an account of the photographer by none other than the photographer himself.
Unfortunately, while Kershaw's biography left me reeling and entrenched in a raw honesty about Robert Capa (the man, the photographer, the Hungarian), Capa's book left me disappointed. Part of this may have to do with my own expectation as a reader.
Going into this book, I had hoped that Capa would cut deeper, open himself up, ruminate on his profession with a certain kind of candor and honesty. Instead, Capa is all tongue and cheek, serious only for brief flickers at a time, returning to his playboy state of booze, girls, and war with a Raymond Chandler-esque bravado. Perhaps, though, this is the point? Capa's voice gives him away, exposes everything, reveals him as a man with a brave, flirtatious front who, when it comes right down to it, avoids anything that might hurt or cut too deeply or bring him into a kind of self honesty.
With that said, there are fabulous moments of the book, three specifically, each offering a serious rumination:
1) The first is Capa's confrontation with an American WWII pilot, who, after bringing back four of his fallen brothers, turns to Capa and says "Are these pictures you were waiting for, photographer?" and for the first time, Capa must consider the ethical complexities of his profession: "On the train to London, with those successfully exposed rolls in my bag, I hated myself and my profession. This sort of photography was only for undertakers, and I didn't like being one. If I was to share the funeral, I swore, I would have to share the procession." From that point forward, Capa went alongside the troops, to the Omaha beach and back again.
2) The second is Capa and Ernest Hemingway's "falling out." While moving together with American troops, a German gunner started shelling out fire, and Hemingway was trapped in an unfortunate position. The American troops took cover, and Capa was standing nearby, hoping to be of some help to Hemingway. However, Hemingway thought different of the matter, believing Capa was simply "standing by" in the event that Hemingway were shot dead and Capa could photographer the death of the famous writer. What's interesting, though, is that Capa seemed to be motivated by both a desire to help and to photograph this amazing moment, should it have happened.
3) The third and final is Capa's relationship with a girl he calls "Pinky." A London girl, Pinky waits for Capa as he dashes off to the front, traveling the world. Eventually, however, Pinky grows tired of waiting, and marries another fellow. Capa learns of this the day the war in Europe is pronounced over, and the book ends with the final line "There is absolutely no reason to get up in the mornings any more." Of course, the line refers not so much as to Pinky, as it does to the end of a long adventure. What, beyond war, is there for Capa to do?
Overall, the book is interesting only in so much as it offers "the sound" of Capa himself, which is invaluable for historians and historical writers alike.
Unfortunately, while Kershaw's biography left me reeling and entrenched in a raw honesty about Robert Capa (the man, the photographer, the Hungarian), Capa's book left me disappointed. Part of this may have to do with my own expectation as a reader.
Going into this book, I had hoped that Capa would cut deeper, open himself up, ruminate on his profession with a certain kind of candor and honesty. Instead, Capa is all tongue and cheek, serious only for brief flickers at a time, returning to his playboy state of booze, girls, and war with a Raymond Chandler-esque bravado. Perhaps, though, this is the point? Capa's voice gives him away, exposes everything, reveals him as a man with a brave, flirtatious front who, when it comes right down to it, avoids anything that might hurt or cut too deeply or bring him into a kind of self honesty.
With that said, there are fabulous moments of the book, three specifically, each offering a serious rumination:
1) The first is Capa's confrontation with an American WWII pilot, who, after bringing back four of his fallen brothers, turns to Capa and says "Are these pictures you were waiting for, photographer?" and for the first time, Capa must consider the ethical complexities of his profession: "On the train to London, with those successfully exposed rolls in my bag, I hated myself and my profession. This sort of photography was only for undertakers, and I didn't like being one. If I was to share the funeral, I swore, I would have to share the procession." From that point forward, Capa went alongside the troops, to the Omaha beach and back again.
2) The second is Capa and Ernest Hemingway's "falling out." While moving together with American troops, a German gunner started shelling out fire, and Hemingway was trapped in an unfortunate position. The American troops took cover, and Capa was standing nearby, hoping to be of some help to Hemingway. However, Hemingway thought different of the matter, believing Capa was simply "standing by" in the event that Hemingway were shot dead and Capa could photographer the death of the famous writer. What's interesting, though, is that Capa seemed to be motivated by both a desire to help and to photograph this amazing moment, should it have happened.
3) The third and final is Capa's relationship with a girl he calls "Pinky." A London girl, Pinky waits for Capa as he dashes off to the front, traveling the world. Eventually, however, Pinky grows tired of waiting, and marries another fellow. Capa learns of this the day the war in Europe is pronounced over, and the book ends with the final line "There is absolutely no reason to get up in the mornings any more." Of course, the line refers not so much as to Pinky, as it does to the end of a long adventure. What, beyond war, is there for Capa to do?
Overall, the book is interesting only in so much as it offers "the sound" of Capa himself, which is invaluable for historians and historical writers alike.
January 11, 2018
"The war will not last much longer. For you it will never last long enough."
Slightly Out of Focus is Robert Capa's World War II memoir. In 1941 he arrived in Europe for a photojournalism assignment and then spent the next four years traveling the countries documenting the embattled grounds and the people that inhabited them.
What an odd the job of a war photographer is. Not only do they expose themselves voluntarily to the dangers of war, but they also profit from something which horrific consequences they hope to capture with their cameras. Still, there the ones providing the images that automatically come rushing to our minds when we think of Wars we haven't been part of. And Robert Capa is a legend among them.
Hearing him talk about the war is sobering in a way. It comes across different than in history books or in the stories people who fought in it or were labeled victims of it tell. Robert Capa was there to do a job. That doesn't mean he wasn't affected by it, but I find it easy to forget that people still had comparatively normal lives, a daily routine and other worries in times like these.
Having that said, this book is a raw and special collection. While Capa loved writing and interestingly would have liked to see himself as a writer first and photographer second, it is the images that make this so powerful. Slightly Out of Focus is full of them, there are over a hundred across the pages visually documenting the places he went to. John Steinbeck (Yes! Excitement is appropriate, Capa was friends with Steinbeck!) put it quite well:
"He knew that you cannot photograph war, because it is largely an emotion. But he did photograph that emotion by shooting beside it. He could show the horror of a whole people in the face of a child. His camera caught and held an emotion."
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys Robert Capa's work and has a thing for that historic time period, if you're more interested in Capa as a person however, Blood and Champagne is probably the place you want to go looking for.
Slightly Out of Focus is Robert Capa's World War II memoir. In 1941 he arrived in Europe for a photojournalism assignment and then spent the next four years traveling the countries documenting the embattled grounds and the people that inhabited them.
What an odd the job of a war photographer is. Not only do they expose themselves voluntarily to the dangers of war, but they also profit from something which horrific consequences they hope to capture with their cameras. Still, there the ones providing the images that automatically come rushing to our minds when we think of Wars we haven't been part of. And Robert Capa is a legend among them.
Hearing him talk about the war is sobering in a way. It comes across different than in history books or in the stories people who fought in it or were labeled victims of it tell. Robert Capa was there to do a job. That doesn't mean he wasn't affected by it, but I find it easy to forget that people still had comparatively normal lives, a daily routine and other worries in times like these.
Having that said, this book is a raw and special collection. While Capa loved writing and interestingly would have liked to see himself as a writer first and photographer second, it is the images that make this so powerful. Slightly Out of Focus is full of them, there are over a hundred across the pages visually documenting the places he went to. John Steinbeck (Yes! Excitement is appropriate, Capa was friends with Steinbeck!) put it quite well:
"He knew that you cannot photograph war, because it is largely an emotion. But he did photograph that emotion by shooting beside it. He could show the horror of a whole people in the face of a child. His camera caught and held an emotion."
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys Robert Capa's work and has a thing for that historic time period, if you're more interested in Capa as a person however, Blood and Champagne is probably the place you want to go looking for.
April 1, 2015
Imagine a very charming funny man buying you drinks, and telling you fantastic stories, and it's very late at night, and you don't want to leave because everything is too wonderful. This is what this spare book is like.
He is all at once hilarious, funny, self-deprecating, clever, frustrating, and so beautifully heart-breaking.
The scenes where he describes what was around him during combat are astounding. I think it helps that he wrote all of this so soon after the events vs. waiting twenty/thirty years (alas he didn't have that chance) so there wasn't hindsight or nostalgia to color the description of the experience. Landing on Normandy beach on D-Day is one of the most evocative scenes. You really feel his terror and the complete chaos of the whole experience. And there he was taking photos as death was going on around him. And he somehow captured humanity at its most tender, and vicious.
And the ending of the book? The only way to describe it as having that Eastern European sense of love and heart-break. Exquisite and sad.
I want to press this upon people.
He is all at once hilarious, funny, self-deprecating, clever, frustrating, and so beautifully heart-breaking.
The scenes where he describes what was around him during combat are astounding. I think it helps that he wrote all of this so soon after the events vs. waiting twenty/thirty years (alas he didn't have that chance) so there wasn't hindsight or nostalgia to color the description of the experience. Landing on Normandy beach on D-Day is one of the most evocative scenes. You really feel his terror and the complete chaos of the whole experience. And there he was taking photos as death was going on around him. And he somehow captured humanity at its most tender, and vicious.
And the ending of the book? The only way to describe it as having that Eastern European sense of love and heart-break. Exquisite and sad.
I want to press this upon people.
December 13, 2021
Роберт Капа- фотограф, світлини якого стали знаковими для 20 ст.
Майже кожен воєнний конфлікт, який був присутній в історії першої половини 20 ст. не обійшовся без об'єктива Роберта. Майже з кожної кривавоі бійні він привозив фото, які розходились по всьому світу, та без яких не було б культових обкладинок журналу Life. Просто відбитий на всю голову чувак, якого не не зупиняли жодні складнощі.
Мемуари, які читаються наче гостросюжетний роман.
З нетерпіння чекаю українською (а раптом пощастить)
Майже кожен воєнний конфлікт, який був присутній в історії першої половини 20 ст. не обійшовся без об'єктива Роберта. Майже з кожної кривавоі бійні він привозив фото, які розходились по всьому світу, та без яких не було б культових обкладинок журналу Life. Просто відбитий на всю голову чувак, якого не не зупиняли жодні складнощі.
Мемуари, які читаються наче гостросюжетний роман.
З нетерпіння чекаю українською (а раптом пощастить)
June 17, 2016
روایت کاپا جالبه اما عکسهاش چیز دیگرند!
نه تنها کتاب ویرایش نشده، بلکه نمونهخوانی هم نشده. پُره از اشتباههای تایپی متأسفانه
نه تنها کتاب ویرایش نشده، بلکه نمونهخوانی هم نشده. پُره از اشتباههای تایپی متأسفانه
September 8, 2020
Brilliant.
I only recently discovered this brave, enigmatic and charismatic man, wartime photographer Robert Capa, and wanted to know more.
This is a brilliantly written memoir of his experiences in World War II; how he survived it, I do not know.
His wartime photos are absolutely amazing, although quite a few brought tears to my eyes.
Very highly recommended for fans of World War II; I couldn't put it down.
I only recently discovered this brave, enigmatic and charismatic man, wartime photographer Robert Capa, and wanted to know more.
This is a brilliantly written memoir of his experiences in World War II; how he survived it, I do not know.
His wartime photos are absolutely amazing, although quite a few brought tears to my eyes.
Very highly recommended for fans of World War II; I couldn't put it down.
December 30, 2018
Occasionally, you read a book about a figure who was made to be in history's place and time. Robert Capa is such a person. This book had been on my "must read" list for many years. When I found an excellent copy being sold on ebay, I jumped.
Robert Capa is also a person who jumped. He also rode, evaded and embedded himself with the U.S. military in several confrontations. The crux of this book, his memoirs of service as a photographer and writer, tell of his experiences in the second world war.
There are countless anecdotes in this book. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you shudder. One of the more amusing encounters Capa had was with military brass who thought sure he was famed motion picture director Frank Capra.
Of course, the real prize of this book is the assortment of Capa's photos included amongst his writing. It is a bit awe-inspiring to read more about what he (and other war-time press) had to endure to get the photo or the story. Grit, cleverness, and love of his craft produced iconic photos.
Robert Capa is also a person who jumped. He also rode, evaded and embedded himself with the U.S. military in several confrontations. The crux of this book, his memoirs of service as a photographer and writer, tell of his experiences in the second world war.
There are countless anecdotes in this book. Some will make you laugh. Some will make you shudder. One of the more amusing encounters Capa had was with military brass who thought sure he was famed motion picture director Frank Capra.
Of course, the real prize of this book is the assortment of Capa's photos included amongst his writing. It is a bit awe-inspiring to read more about what he (and other war-time press) had to endure to get the photo or the story. Grit, cleverness, and love of his craft produced iconic photos.
February 28, 2021
If a hard-boiled author ever took on the story of Robert Capa's life, it could reasonably be titled Bullets, Booze and Broads, as in Slightly Out of Focus Capa dodges plenty of the first, imbibes epically of the second, and fails miserably with the third - the perfect set up for a jaded gumshoe.
Of course Capa was a bit more than a washed up P.I - he was one of the twentieth century's most eminent war photographers. His Spanish Civil war photo The Falling Soldier is iconic, and his images from the D-Day landing have become emblematic of that legendary assault. (The Falling Soldier and one of his D-Day photos can be found below this review.)
As you would expect, the life of a war photographer, particularly in Capa's era, was one of excitement, danger and death.
How this book hasn't been made into a movie beggars belief. From the start to the finish it has a cinematic feel, with Capa narrowly avoiding both beauraucratic and violent incidents, drinking up a storm with soldiers, sailors, diplomats, writers and even Ernest Hemingway, whom he befriended during the Spanish Civil War.
From the beginning of the story, when Capa is stuck in New York City with the papers of an enemy alien, his story rockets along from near-miss to near-miss. He lands a correspondent's job and somehow wrangles his way back to Europe (via some artfully applied boozing with a British diplomat), and then finds himself in London, from which he takes part in various parts of the war, snapping photos as he goes.
Crisis is never far from Capa, and after parachuting into Italy he discovers he has been recalled by his New York agency. In order to avoid being shipped back he goes rogue and stays with the soldiers he has been following, continuing his photojournalism under fire while simultaneously trying to find a new job that will keep him in Europe. This is just one of the many high stakes dramas that play out as Capa moves around Europe.
His famous photos from Normandy, and the getting of those photos, are a key part of the narrative, with Capa landing on the famous beaches himself, death only millimeters away.
It isn't all just booze and bullets though - the promised broad plays a large role too. In between bouts at the front, Capa sojourns in London, where he meets and falls for an English girl he nicknames Pinky. He tries to maintain their connection across the distant battlefields he is sent to, but miles and intermittent communication soon begin to take their toll, and Capa's massive success in his massive life is matched by equally massive failure in matters of the heart.
It's all very engaging, and Capa is a compelling character - a hard drinker (very hard by 2021 standards), incorrigible gambler, and friend to the famous. While in London his old friend Ernest Hemingway drops in for (another) boozy party, and he ends up spending time with Papa at the Western Front, the two of them dodging bullets and shells in a scene that was made of cinema, that sees Hemingway stuck in a ditch under fire while Capa helplessly watches on.
It all makes for a great read, and an engaging account of a fascinating period in a notable life that was touched by tragedy and would end on another battlefield on the other side of the world. I haven't read many book about the lives of war photographers, but Slightly Out of Focus gave me new respect for a trade where success is often measured by one's distance between bombs, bullets and bayonets - the closer they are, the better the pictures.
Four boozy evenings with British officers out of five.
P.S: As he wrote this book himself it's obvious that he lived through WW2, but a Capa lived a life where death was a constant companion. During the Spanish Civil War, Capa's great love Gerda Taro was crushed by an out of control tank, an event that reputedly scarred Robert for life. In a distant echo of his love's fate Capa himself later died on the battlefield, killed by a mine in Vietnam like his contemporary Bernard Fall, after putting himself in harm's way one too many times.
Of course Capa was a bit more than a washed up P.I - he was one of the twentieth century's most eminent war photographers. His Spanish Civil war photo The Falling Soldier is iconic, and his images from the D-Day landing have become emblematic of that legendary assault. (The Falling Soldier and one of his D-Day photos can be found below this review.)
As you would expect, the life of a war photographer, particularly in Capa's era, was one of excitement, danger and death.
How this book hasn't been made into a movie beggars belief. From the start to the finish it has a cinematic feel, with Capa narrowly avoiding both beauraucratic and violent incidents, drinking up a storm with soldiers, sailors, diplomats, writers and even Ernest Hemingway, whom he befriended during the Spanish Civil War.
From the beginning of the story, when Capa is stuck in New York City with the papers of an enemy alien, his story rockets along from near-miss to near-miss. He lands a correspondent's job and somehow wrangles his way back to Europe (via some artfully applied boozing with a British diplomat), and then finds himself in London, from which he takes part in various parts of the war, snapping photos as he goes.
Crisis is never far from Capa, and after parachuting into Italy he discovers he has been recalled by his New York agency. In order to avoid being shipped back he goes rogue and stays with the soldiers he has been following, continuing his photojournalism under fire while simultaneously trying to find a new job that will keep him in Europe. This is just one of the many high stakes dramas that play out as Capa moves around Europe.
His famous photos from Normandy, and the getting of those photos, are a key part of the narrative, with Capa landing on the famous beaches himself, death only millimeters away.
It isn't all just booze and bullets though - the promised broad plays a large role too. In between bouts at the front, Capa sojourns in London, where he meets and falls for an English girl he nicknames Pinky. He tries to maintain their connection across the distant battlefields he is sent to, but miles and intermittent communication soon begin to take their toll, and Capa's massive success in his massive life is matched by equally massive failure in matters of the heart.
It's all very engaging, and Capa is a compelling character - a hard drinker (very hard by 2021 standards), incorrigible gambler, and friend to the famous. While in London his old friend Ernest Hemingway drops in for (another) boozy party, and he ends up spending time with Papa at the Western Front, the two of them dodging bullets and shells in a scene that was made of cinema, that sees Hemingway stuck in a ditch under fire while Capa helplessly watches on.
It all makes for a great read, and an engaging account of a fascinating period in a notable life that was touched by tragedy and would end on another battlefield on the other side of the world. I haven't read many book about the lives of war photographers, but Slightly Out of Focus gave me new respect for a trade where success is often measured by one's distance between bombs, bullets and bayonets - the closer they are, the better the pictures.
Four boozy evenings with British officers out of five.
P.S: As he wrote this book himself it's obvious that he lived through WW2, but a Capa lived a life where death was a constant companion. During the Spanish Civil War, Capa's great love Gerda Taro was crushed by an out of control tank, an event that reputedly scarred Robert for life. In a distant echo of his love's fate Capa himself later died on the battlefield, killed by a mine in Vietnam like his contemporary Bernard Fall, after putting himself in harm's way one too many times.
June 21, 2016
Lo straordinario talento di Capa come fotografo e l'abilità di raccontare i fatti della seconda guerra mondiale sono racchiusi in questo capolavoro, conosciuto purtroppo da pochi, soprattutto in Italia.
Le fotografie sono testimonianze della distruzione di massa che la guerra ha portato e la sua testimonianza è quella di un fotografo, ma anche di un uomo che ha vissuto in prima linea gli avvenimenti più importanti del secondo conflitto. Ogni buon lettore, amante della storia e amante della fotografia dovrebbe fare avere una copia in casa di questo libro.
Le fotografie sono testimonianze della distruzione di massa che la guerra ha portato e la sua testimonianza è quella di un fotografo, ma anche di un uomo che ha vissuto in prima linea gli avvenimenti più importanti del secondo conflitto. Ogni buon lettore, amante della storia e amante della fotografia dovrebbe fare avere una copia in casa di questo libro.
March 28, 2020
Перечитывая эту книгу, вспомнила насколько Роберт Капа замечательный на первых же страницах. Легкий, смешной, позитивный. Это любовь!
April 20, 2022
This adrenaline infused World War II memoir makes such an exciting read! I listened to the audiobook and read the kindle at the same time. Totally enjoyed every chapter. Robert Capa was very funny. He was truly a great war photographer. A lot of the photos included in the book are new to me. The last photo where the boy soldier was killed right after the photo was taken is especially poignant.
There are a few discriminatory words (“bloodthirsty Indians”), but, hey, the book was published in 1947!
There are a few discriminatory words (“bloodthirsty Indians”), but, hey, the book was published in 1947!
December 5, 2020
«Ölen son adamın fotoğrafını çekmiştim. Son gün, en iyilerden bazıları ölür. Fakat yaşayanlar çarçabuk unutacaklar.» – RC.
May 8, 2022
很多人研究這部然後說卡帕很誇大唬爛，但讀起來確實趣味橫生，而且富有生活細節。
p.110 一九四三秋，作者在阿爾及爾遇見的一大票記者中也包含史坦貝克（憤怒的葡萄作者）
p.128 「棺木也太小，露出了孩子們（那不勒斯二十名抵抗德軍的青少年游擊隊員）細瘦又骯髒的腳」（照片在頁130，但有穿襪子）
p.138 比爾．莫登（Bill Mauldin）在這裡（那不勒斯與羅馬間的山區）畫下了他著名的角色「威利」與「喬」
p.146 把進攻之於記者比喻成與拉娜．透納約會（我差點看成蒂娜．透娜）
p.160 作者跟海明威的交情始與西班牙內戰期間，他把海明威描寫成荒唐的大哥
p.282 編輯後記提到Gerta Taro的名字也結合了葛麗泰嘉寶與岡本太郎，但我還是覺得譯成葛妲太郎好奇怪。
p.110 一九四三秋，作者在阿爾及爾遇見的一大票記者中也包含史坦貝克（憤怒的葡萄作者）
p.128 「棺木也太小，露出了孩子們（那不勒斯二十名抵抗德軍的青少年游擊隊員）細瘦又骯髒的腳」（照片在頁130，但有穿襪子）
p.138 比爾．莫登（Bill Mauldin）在這裡（那不勒斯與羅馬間的山區）畫下了他著名的角色「威利」與「喬」
p.146 把進攻之於記者比喻成與拉娜．透納約會（我差點看成蒂娜．透娜）
p.160 作者跟海明威的交情始與西班牙內戰期間，他把海明威描寫成荒唐的大哥
p.282 編輯後記提到Gerta Taro的名字也結合了葛麗泰嘉寶與岡本太郎，但我還是覺得譯成葛妲太郎好奇怪。
January 19, 2023
Such a great story. Wow.
November 20, 2017
قصههای بامزه کاپا از ماموریتهای عکاسیاش در جنگ جهانی دوم هم خواندنی است و هم یادآور سینمای آن دوران. روایت کاپا ادبی نیست. نوعی خاطرهنویسی است که گویا قرار هم بوده از روی آنها فیلم سینمایی ساخته شود. با این وجود کاپا یک قصهگوی ذاتی بوده. خلق صحنه و تعلیق و طنز و حتی تراژدی را بدون اینکه لوث کند بلد است. هرچند عکسهای کاپا در تضاد با این اتوبیوگرافی، تلخ و تکان دهنده هستند.
November 18, 2021
Reading this feels like you are sitting in a smokey pub, with Mr. Capa across the table, endlessly telling you his anectodes (which don't always seem to be 100% real) over a bottle of cheap scotch. The more than 100 photos included in the book make the testimony even more powerful. I mean... this guy has been everywhere and has seen it all during WWII. I can't help but be a bit proud that he was Hungarian.
January 23, 2021
Started wanting to get an idea of how to become a war photographer. Only mildly disappointed; Capa’s Up-in-the-air style of going about things has shown me the light, and his side stories have motivated me even more.
September 4, 2023
Gaidīju nopietnu personisku stāstījumu par fotogrāfiju, karu, teoretizēšanu un drāmu.
Saņēmu romānu Remarka un Hašeka un Papas Hemingveja stilu sajaukumā.
Saņēmu romānu Remarka un Hašeka un Papas Hemingveja stilu sajaukumā.
January 22, 2021
Saçların hala pembe.
-Daha uzun bekletseydin eğer, bembeyaz bulabilirdin.
-Bekliyor muydun?
-Hayır, evlendim, altı çocuk yaptım.
-Umarım beni severler.
-Daha uzun bekletseydin eğer, bembeyaz bulabilirdin.
-Bekliyor muydun?
-Hayır, evlendim, altı çocuk yaptım.
-Umarım beni severler.
November 25, 2013
Robert Capa may have the looks of Gene Kelly, the charm of Humphrey Bogart, and the style of Frank Sinatra, but it was something else that made him stand out from the average American celebrity: the grit of a journalist. Whether he was gulping back whiskey with Hemingway or propelling from an airplane while bullets flew over his head, Capa’s memoir Slightly Out of Focus demonstrates the courageous insanity that it takes to be a war photographer. The life of a war correspondent is far from romantic, yet Capa’s depiction of his time spent photographing the end of WWII has a certain amorous charm. Intermittently intertwined with warfare and chaos is the story of love, or the desire for love, with a girl Capa hardly knew by the name of ‘Pinky.’ Still, Capa’s romantic nature could not trump his need to get the scoop, his career far surmounting his ambitions for love.
With descriptions of celebrities such as John Steinbeck, Ernie Pyle and Ernest Hemingway coming to life through revealing accounts, the tone of Hollywood somewhat resonates throughout Capa’s book. As close friends of Capa’s during the war, these men seemed to all share two things: a sense of fearlessness and the luck of escaping death. They also shared certain qualities which, if Capa were to write such a thing, could be used as an outline for what it takes to be a war correspondent.
#1. The war correspondent must enjoy alcohol and cigarettes.
# 2. He must have a sense of humor which allows him to laugh over a game of poker after a day of carnage.
#3. He must be able to look the probability of death straight in the face, shrug, and still jump.
As Capa himself states:
“The war correspondent gets more drinks, more girls, better pay, and greater freedom than the soldier, but at this stage of the game, having the freedom to choose his spot and being allowed to be a coward and not be executed for it is his torture.”
Whether or not Capa was tortured by his disposition is up for debate, but one thing surely distinguishes the two: the soldier is there to fight a war, and the journalist is there to record it. Capa’s photos illuminate the human element of war, with gripping portraits of the soldiers and civilians of North Africa and Europe. His stories capture the mood with equal prominence, though more from a personal, reflective, and often alcoholic account. The title of the book alone makes one wonder if Capa is referring to the lens of his camera, or his own substance abuse.
Slightly Out of Focus really stands as a glimpse into the mind of Robert Capa, a character who any reader would surely find no less then delightful, ambitious, and possibly a little insane. Where other accounts of World War II often delve into depressing accounts of human suffering, death or bereavement, Capa instead spends a considerable amount of time discussing the various types of alcohol he consumes, the relationship he had with the aforementioned celebrity journalists, and his ‘lucky’ streaks at poker. It is as though Capa is flirting with wartime Europe, in a way that may distress the somber war aficionado, but will certainly delight those with an inkling towards black humor.
With descriptions of celebrities such as John Steinbeck, Ernie Pyle and Ernest Hemingway coming to life through revealing accounts, the tone of Hollywood somewhat resonates throughout Capa’s book. As close friends of Capa’s during the war, these men seemed to all share two things: a sense of fearlessness and the luck of escaping death. They also shared certain qualities which, if Capa were to write such a thing, could be used as an outline for what it takes to be a war correspondent.
#1. The war correspondent must enjoy alcohol and cigarettes.
# 2. He must have a sense of humor which allows him to laugh over a game of poker after a day of carnage.
#3. He must be able to look the probability of death straight in the face, shrug, and still jump.
As Capa himself states:
“The war correspondent gets more drinks, more girls, better pay, and greater freedom than the soldier, but at this stage of the game, having the freedom to choose his spot and being allowed to be a coward and not be executed for it is his torture.”
Whether or not Capa was tortured by his disposition is up for debate, but one thing surely distinguishes the two: the soldier is there to fight a war, and the journalist is there to record it. Capa’s photos illuminate the human element of war, with gripping portraits of the soldiers and civilians of North Africa and Europe. His stories capture the mood with equal prominence, though more from a personal, reflective, and often alcoholic account. The title of the book alone makes one wonder if Capa is referring to the lens of his camera, or his own substance abuse.
Slightly Out of Focus really stands as a glimpse into the mind of Robert Capa, a character who any reader would surely find no less then delightful, ambitious, and possibly a little insane. Where other accounts of World War II often delve into depressing accounts of human suffering, death or bereavement, Capa instead spends a considerable amount of time discussing the various types of alcohol he consumes, the relationship he had with the aforementioned celebrity journalists, and his ‘lucky’ streaks at poker. It is as though Capa is flirting with wartime Europe, in a way that may distress the somber war aficionado, but will certainly delight those with an inkling towards black humor.
January 25, 2021
Определенно, фотограф Капа гораздо лучше писателя Капы
November 7, 2021
戰地記者關於二戰的紀錄，有戰爭也有戰爭中的人，還有攝影師自己和戰爭剝不開的私生活，真實且細節，也挺幽默的，但配圖不行，文字提到很多令人感興趣的照片，配的卻是與此毫不相關的圖片。
July 4, 2024
This book is not for everyone, but if you enjoy WWII history and/or photojournalism consider reading it.
February 28, 2024
*русский текст ниже
Great memoir! Really enjoyable for history lovers with a little bit of Steinbeck and Hemingway!
Очень приятные мемуары известного военного фотографа. Немного ссылок на Стейнбека и немного на старину Хэма. И много военной истории глазами, которые хотят смотреть.
Great memoir! Really enjoyable for history lovers with a little bit of Steinbeck and Hemingway!
Очень приятные мемуары известного военного фотографа. Немного ссылок на Стейнбека и немного на старину Хэма. И много военной истории глазами, которые хотят смотреть.
April 6, 2020
یک کتاب خواندنی از خاطرات رابرت کاپای کبیر یکی از موثرترین عکاسان دوره جنگ. از روایت های زندگی شغلی کاپا تا خاطرات دوران و عکس های کاپا. و نظرگاه خودش.
پیشنهاد می کنم اگر پیدایش کردید ، بخوانید ☘️
پیشنهاد می کنم اگر پیدایش کردید ، بخوانید ☘️
May 31, 2024
What to say about this book that can do it justice? I laughed, cried, shivered, cried and laughed again at every page. I was so surprised to find a book by a non-professional writer that feels so effortless, charming, witty, moving, and flawless. But then, knowing of Robert Capa's friendships with Hemingway and Steinbeck and of his initial aspirations of becoming a writer, it all makes sense.
The book follows the photographer around Europe while he documents the turning events of World War Two as well as its slow daily realities, all the while starting a romance with a strawberry blonde-haired girl in London. I loved reading about moments like the Allied invasions of Sicily and Anzio, the slow pace and contraddictory nature of the Italian front, the behaviour of the population in the liberated towns.
But the most memorable moments of the memoir are in the second half. As the only photographer in the very first division landing in Omaha Beach, Normandy, Robert Capa is able to tell the historic event with full rawness and heart.
"At 4:00 A.M. we were assembled on the open deck. The invasion barges were swinging on the cranes, ready to be lowered. Waiting for the first ray of light, the two thousand men stood in perfect silence; whatever they were thinking, it was some kind of prayer."
The story behind the iconic D-Day beach photos is also told. Capa recalls how the darkroom assistant accidentally used too much heat when developing the negatives and caused the photos to blur and melt. This resulted in the images looking shaky, unsteady, and slightly out of focus. This mishandling of the photos, which probably would have ruined any other shot, gave the D-Day images a reality, an urgency, a motion, that come closest at documenting the battle than any sharp and clear picture ever could.
Capa writes raw and authentic, yet always humorous and romantic. "The road to Paris was open and every Parisian was out in the street to touch the first tank, to kiss the first man, to sing and cry. Never were there so many who were so happy so early in the morning. "
Of course, one cannot believe every dialogue or every detail, and shouldn't. The small things that feel made up only serve the narration and emotional/historical significance of the story. In other words, this book is perfect material for a script (please A24, do a movie adaptation soon).
The book follows the photographer around Europe while he documents the turning events of World War Two as well as its slow daily realities, all the while starting a romance with a strawberry blonde-haired girl in London. I loved reading about moments like the Allied invasions of Sicily and Anzio, the slow pace and contraddictory nature of the Italian front, the behaviour of the population in the liberated towns.
But the most memorable moments of the memoir are in the second half. As the only photographer in the very first division landing in Omaha Beach, Normandy, Robert Capa is able to tell the historic event with full rawness and heart.
"At 4:00 A.M. we were assembled on the open deck. The invasion barges were swinging on the cranes, ready to be lowered. Waiting for the first ray of light, the two thousand men stood in perfect silence; whatever they were thinking, it was some kind of prayer."
The story behind the iconic D-Day beach photos is also told. Capa recalls how the darkroom assistant accidentally used too much heat when developing the negatives and caused the photos to blur and melt. This resulted in the images looking shaky, unsteady, and slightly out of focus. This mishandling of the photos, which probably would have ruined any other shot, gave the D-Day images a reality, an urgency, a motion, that come closest at documenting the battle than any sharp and clear picture ever could.
Capa writes raw and authentic, yet always humorous and romantic. "The road to Paris was open and every Parisian was out in the street to touch the first tank, to kiss the first man, to sing and cry. Never were there so many who were so happy so early in the morning. "
Of course, one cannot believe every dialogue or every detail, and shouldn't. The small things that feel made up only serve the narration and emotional/historical significance of the story. In other words, this book is perfect material for a script (please A24, do a movie adaptation soon).
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