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Of Love & War
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and New York Times bestselling author, a stunning and personally curated selection of her work across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Lynsey Addario has captured audiences with her disarming and compelling photographs and her uncanny ability to personalize even the most remote corners of our world. Here, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist returns with a stunning collection of more than two hundred of her photographs from across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. In her distinctively powerful dramatic style, Addario documents life in Afghanistan under the Taliban, the stark truth of sub-Saharan Africa, and the daily reality of women in the Middle East, as well as much more. Featuring revelatory essays from esteemed writers, such as Dexter Filkins, Suzy Hansen, and Lydia Polgreen, Of Love & War is an utterly compelling and singular statement about the world, and all its inescapable chaos and conflict, from one of the most brilliant and influential journalists working today in any medium.
Lynsey Addario has captured audiences with her disarming and compelling photographs and her uncanny ability to personalize even the most remote corners of our world. Here, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist returns with a stunning collection of more than two hundred of her photographs from across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. In her distinctively powerful dramatic style, Addario documents life in Afghanistan under the Taliban, the stark truth of sub-Saharan Africa, and the daily reality of women in the Middle East, as well as much more. Featuring revelatory essays from esteemed writers, such as Dexter Filkins, Suzy Hansen, and Lydia Polgreen, Of Love & War is an utterly compelling and singular statement about the world, and all its inescapable chaos and conflict, from one of the most brilliant and influential journalists working today in any medium.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published October 23, 2018
15 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Lynsey Addario
8 books246 followersLynsey Addario is an American photojournalist who regularly photographs for The New York Times, National Geographic, and Time Magazine.
Lynsey began photographing professionally for the Buenos Aires Herald in Argentina 1996 with no previous photographic training or studies. She eventually began freelancing for the Associated Press in New York, where she worked for several years before moving abroad to New Delhi, India to cover South Asia.
In 2000, Addario first traveled to Afghanistan under Taliban rule to document life and oppression under the Taliban, and has since covered conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Darfur, and Congo. She photographs features and breaking news focused on humanitarian and human rights issues across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
In 2015, American Photo Magazine named Lynsey as one of five most influential photographers of the past 25 years, saying she changed the way we saw the world's conflicts.
Lynsey’s recent bodies of work include an ongoing reportage on Syrian refugees around the region for The New York Times, ISIS’ push into Iraq, the civil war in South Sudan, and African and Middle Eastern migrants arriving on Sicily's shores for The New York Times. Addario was the official photographer for the Nobel Peace Center's 10th peace prize exhibition, photographing 2014 winners Malala Yousefzai and Kailash Satyarthi for an exhibition at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway in December 2014.
Lynsey has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship, or 'Genius Grant' 2009; Overseas Press Club's Oliver Rebbot award for 'Best photographic reporting from abroad in magazines and books' for her series 'Veiled Rebellion: Afghan Women.' She was part of the New York Times team to win the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, for her photographs in ‘Talibanistan’, Sept 7, 2008. In 2010 Lynsey was named one of 20 women on Oprah Winfrey's Power List, 2010, for her 'Power of Bearing Witness,' and one of Glamour Magazine’s 20 women of the year in 2011.
It's What I Do is her first book.
She received a BA at the university of Wisconsin-Madison, where she graduated with Honors, and speaks English, Spanish, and Italian.
Lynsey began photographing professionally for the Buenos Aires Herald in Argentina 1996 with no previous photographic training or studies. She eventually began freelancing for the Associated Press in New York, where she worked for several years before moving abroad to New Delhi, India to cover South Asia.
In 2000, Addario first traveled to Afghanistan under Taliban rule to document life and oppression under the Taliban, and has since covered conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Darfur, and Congo. She photographs features and breaking news focused on humanitarian and human rights issues across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
In 2015, American Photo Magazine named Lynsey as one of five most influential photographers of the past 25 years, saying she changed the way we saw the world's conflicts.
Lynsey’s recent bodies of work include an ongoing reportage on Syrian refugees around the region for The New York Times, ISIS’ push into Iraq, the civil war in South Sudan, and African and Middle Eastern migrants arriving on Sicily's shores for The New York Times. Addario was the official photographer for the Nobel Peace Center's 10th peace prize exhibition, photographing 2014 winners Malala Yousefzai and Kailash Satyarthi for an exhibition at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway in December 2014.
Lynsey has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship, or 'Genius Grant' 2009; Overseas Press Club's Oliver Rebbot award for 'Best photographic reporting from abroad in magazines and books' for her series 'Veiled Rebellion: Afghan Women.' She was part of the New York Times team to win the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, for her photographs in ‘Talibanistan’, Sept 7, 2008. In 2010 Lynsey was named one of 20 women on Oprah Winfrey's Power List, 2010, for her 'Power of Bearing Witness,' and one of Glamour Magazine’s 20 women of the year in 2011.
It's What I Do is her first book.
She received a BA at the university of Wisconsin-Madison, where she graduated with Honors, and speaks English, Spanish, and Italian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 4, 2019
Well done, Lynsey Addario! Your book is ... (terribly) beautiful and poignant and compelling and raw and informative and thought-provoking and sad and awe-inspiring and ... and ... a fitting autobiographical retrospective on an ... impressive and celebrated career. Also, kudos to Addario for her naked and raw and self-aware honesty (which I distinguish from her insecurities, which, of course, drive many (most?) lifelong-high-achievers).
Frankly, I wish I had seen and read this book first ... or, much as I hate to say it ... instead of her prior book It's What I Do - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2..., because, (and this is MY problem, not hers - but in the spirit of transparency) I spent much of THAT book being frustrated with ... and not liking, her (which, of course, takes nothing away from her epic and impressive career or work).... To be clear, plenty of other folks liked her first book more than I did, so ... go ahead, give it a try.... My sense, however, was that this book better showcased her work and brought together a life-time of opening the world's eyes to sights they otherwise would not have seen ... and it did so incredibly well, and efficiently, and effectively ... bringing together a perfect mix of large- and small-scale photographs, contact sheets, letters, hand-written notes, interviews (or Q&A's), and "clippings." Overall, it's a well-orchestrated whole.
In retrospect, I also regret that I checked the book out from the library - it was an impulse move - it was on my to-read list, I saw it on the shelf, and I couldn't resist... I then consumed it in less than 24 hours (which is saying something, because I spent a fair amount of time on some of the pages, pictures, passages).... I should have bought the book - she earned every penny - and, my guess is that I'll end up buying another copy and give it as a gift.
Consumer's tidbit: The hardback book is large and heavy - not quite a coffee table book, but closer to that than most mass market hardback formats. The extra size and weight, and the investment in quality paper, were good decisions, and I hope they do it justice when they (eventually) release it in a softer cover.
Frankly, I wish I had seen and read this book first ... or, much as I hate to say it ... instead of her prior book It's What I Do - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2..., because, (and this is MY problem, not hers - but in the spirit of transparency) I spent much of THAT book being frustrated with ... and not liking, her (which, of course, takes nothing away from her epic and impressive career or work).... To be clear, plenty of other folks liked her first book more than I did, so ... go ahead, give it a try.... My sense, however, was that this book better showcased her work and brought together a life-time of opening the world's eyes to sights they otherwise would not have seen ... and it did so incredibly well, and efficiently, and effectively ... bringing together a perfect mix of large- and small-scale photographs, contact sheets, letters, hand-written notes, interviews (or Q&A's), and "clippings." Overall, it's a well-orchestrated whole.
In retrospect, I also regret that I checked the book out from the library - it was an impulse move - it was on my to-read list, I saw it on the shelf, and I couldn't resist... I then consumed it in less than 24 hours (which is saying something, because I spent a fair amount of time on some of the pages, pictures, passages).... I should have bought the book - she earned every penny - and, my guess is that I'll end up buying another copy and give it as a gift.
Consumer's tidbit: The hardback book is large and heavy - not quite a coffee table book, but closer to that than most mass market hardback formats. The extra size and weight, and the investment in quality paper, were good decisions, and I hope they do it justice when they (eventually) release it in a softer cover.
March 13, 2022
What a remarkable woman Addario is.
This is a beautiful, harrowing and yet essential read, documenting her work in Congo, Sudan, Libya, to name but a few.
Following the sad and unprovoked destruction of Ukraine, I watched an interview of Addario, whilst she was documenting the harrowing events there and was reminded of this book from 2018.
This isn't War Porn, but a very brave woman documenting the very worst of mankind.
This is a beautiful, harrowing and yet essential read, documenting her work in Congo, Sudan, Libya, to name but a few.
Following the sad and unprovoked destruction of Ukraine, I watched an interview of Addario, whilst she was documenting the harrowing events there and was reminded of this book from 2018.
This isn't War Porn, but a very brave woman documenting the very worst of mankind.
April 14, 2019
This is a hard book to peruse. Addario has bore witness to many atrocities and has not been shy in recording them in the hopes to elicit aid. The photos elicit a visceral reaction and the correspondence that accompany them can be equally heart wrenching.
May 17, 2021
Thank goodness for people like Lynsey Addario who do not turn away from the hard things in the world and compel us to observe by their images.
November 16, 2018
Addsrio takes really moving photos - the sorts that inspire awe and emotion. I wish there’d been even more photos to experience in this book. The background stories and emails added just enough info to keep the visuals in context.
November 2, 2018
Just by chance I had read Addario’s excellent “It’s what I do” a few days prior to the release of this book and it made me want to see more of her amazing and moving pictures.
Luckily, this book is just that: a collection of her work from all around the globe.
Luckily, this book is just that: a collection of her work from all around the globe.
November 24, 2018
"I think the thing most people don't understand is that taking a photograph is a tiny percent of what it is to be a photographer. It's also everything else: doing the research, getting the access, writing the proposal, doing the logistics, getting the visa, finding a place to stay, getting access to the subject, getting the subject to open up to me..." -L. Addario
Unlike most photography collections I've ever seen, Lynsey Addario's Of Love and War seems singularly great at revealing a process, or parts of one at least, through which a photographer, aspiring to tell important stories--compellingly--successfully did so, over a career.
Full page plates of marked up contact sheets, notes written to loved ones and friends on the backs Kodak paper, contributions from fellow journalists she has worked with in different locales, these are some of the unexpected additions to a collection like this that allows one to sit with more than just just the end result of a million shutter clicks. If photojournalism is something you are interested in, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will be impressed and inspired by the work this book represents and the way it tells the story of someone who tells the story.
Unlike most photography collections I've ever seen, Lynsey Addario's Of Love and War seems singularly great at revealing a process, or parts of one at least, through which a photographer, aspiring to tell important stories--compellingly--successfully did so, over a career.
Full page plates of marked up contact sheets, notes written to loved ones and friends on the backs Kodak paper, contributions from fellow journalists she has worked with in different locales, these are some of the unexpected additions to a collection like this that allows one to sit with more than just just the end result of a million shutter clicks. If photojournalism is something you are interested in, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will be impressed and inspired by the work this book represents and the way it tells the story of someone who tells the story.
January 2, 2019
I listened to Lynsey Addario’s autobiography, “It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love & War”, on Audible several months prior to the publication of this book: “Of Love & War”. Although her writing evoked vivid visual imagery, I often found myself wishing that I could see photographs of the scenes she described in her autobiography. I understand that the print version of “It’s What I Do” has a few pictures, but not like “Of Love & War”. Addario’s compassion for people in conflict, her amazing sense of timing, her technical knowledge of photography, and her capacity to capture the human spirit in a visual format render “Of Love & War” a truly outstanding contribution to the field of photojournalism. If you are unfamiliar with Addario’s work, purchase both books simultaneously. They are not parallel, but complement each other well. I liked the audio format of “It’s What I Do” because Tavia Gilbert’s outstanding narration brought Addario’s words to life. The Kindle format for “Of Love & War” seemed the logical choice for me because of the ability to zoom in and out of the photos. I was not disappointed. I can only hope that policy makers around the globe will feel as moved by these books as I was.
February 12, 2019
Of Love and War - Addario
4 stars
This is a coffee table book of Lynsey Addario’s prize winning photography. It is a logical companion book to her memoir, It's What I Do: A Photographer's Life of Love and War. Some of the same photographs are included in the memoir in a smaller format. I’d also seen many of them on her website. Much of this book’s text is duplicated in the memoir, but there are also several essays from other well known journalists. The larger format of this book increases the impact of the photography. Most of the pictures are brutal and devastating. The pictures speak is ways that words can’t. I have the greatest respect for Addario and her work.
“I look at women like that and I just can't believe it never gets any better for so many people on this planet. When I look at this book, this body of work, I think, Why are we so lucky to have born in a country of no war? Why am I so lucky? That's what I always come back to. That's what still plagues me.”
4 stars
This is a coffee table book of Lynsey Addario’s prize winning photography. It is a logical companion book to her memoir, It's What I Do: A Photographer's Life of Love and War. Some of the same photographs are included in the memoir in a smaller format. I’d also seen many of them on her website. Much of this book’s text is duplicated in the memoir, but there are also several essays from other well known journalists. The larger format of this book increases the impact of the photography. Most of the pictures are brutal and devastating. The pictures speak is ways that words can’t. I have the greatest respect for Addario and her work.
“I look at women like that and I just can't believe it never gets any better for so many people on this planet. When I look at this book, this body of work, I think, Why are we so lucky to have born in a country of no war? Why am I so lucky? That's what I always come back to. That's what still plagues me.”
January 23, 2019
Photos and experiences from the career of Lynsey Addario - brutal, shocking, painful to look at. Her main concern as a photographer is covering race, justice, war, and women's issues. I had to put this down several times because of the graphic content- and I'm a certified nurse -midwife who has seen plenty of emergencies. It is different to read about the maternal mortality rate in Sierra Leone and to see photos of a young girl dying after childbirth though. A good reminder of the suffering of survivors globally, the impossibly good fortune to be born in a country without war, and the need to help seek peace.
February 13, 2023
A portfolio of gut-punching conflict journalism work sprinkled with letters, stories, and interviews. I found some of the work and stories, particularly Addario's descriptions of how organic and truly chaotic the Libyan conflict was, more unnerving knowing that, five years later in the present day, she's back on the frontlines in Ukraine.
Although a few of the stories are discussed in her memoir, having visuals to accompany them makes them affecting in a different way.
There are many things that separate me, as a hobbyist photographer, from a professional, and a lot of that is the incredible tenacity and the ability to form person-to-person connections that Addario displays.
Although a few of the stories are discussed in her memoir, having visuals to accompany them makes them affecting in a different way.
There are many things that separate me, as a hobbyist photographer, from a professional, and a lot of that is the incredible tenacity and the ability to form person-to-person connections that Addario displays.
January 17, 2019
This goes to the top of my list as a must-read.
Why you should read this:
Refugees
Women's Issues
War in the Mideast
Compassion
Gratitude
The one thing I disliked was how some pages were full of film strips too tiny to see the details.
What I liked the most about this book: the one page accounts of what the author or colleague personally experienced. The words were more powerful than the photos.
I learned things I will never forget, and my heart has opened up even wider, and I wake up grateful for all my freedoms as a woman in the U.S.
Why you should read this:
Refugees
Women's Issues
War in the Mideast
Compassion
Gratitude
The one thing I disliked was how some pages were full of film strips too tiny to see the details.
What I liked the most about this book: the one page accounts of what the author or colleague personally experienced. The words were more powerful than the photos.
I learned things I will never forget, and my heart has opened up even wider, and I wake up grateful for all my freedoms as a woman in the U.S.
December 27, 2021
Absolutely fantastic. I have read her autobiography first, but then wanted to see the photographs she was describing in her book. Her body of work and her work ethics are truly touching. Her artistic vision, to photograph both horrific events in war but also everyday struggles, especially of women and children, is remarkable.
I am just personally removing one star because the last section is basically a rehashing of her autobiography and feels repetitive to me. However, it makes sense to have this section if you only have this book.
I am just personally removing one star because the last section is basically a rehashing of her autobiography and feels repetitive to me. However, it makes sense to have this section if you only have this book.
February 14, 2023
Lynsey’s work is stunning and I felt that the imagery to text ratio was done very well. It was a beautiful way to piece together story and get to know Lynsey better. Some excerpts were straight out of her memoir, some were articles written by others, along with a great interview with her at the very end. Really fun to read!
Some images were spread across the entire page, which caused the photo to be lost into the middle of the book. A flat lay or vertical presentation would have been better.
I love, love her humanitarian/refugee work - I hope one day she comes out with a book solely dedicated to that!
Some images were spread across the entire page, which caused the photo to be lost into the middle of the book. A flat lay or vertical presentation would have been better.
I love, love her humanitarian/refugee work - I hope one day she comes out with a book solely dedicated to that!
December 9, 2018
So glad I was able to get this from the library to read! Compelling photos and subject matter, and mostly writing that supported that. My only criticism, which is not really a criticism, is that I wanted more - double or triple the amount of photos and background on each section. Some of the writing and interviews were a little much, but I’m assuming there are people out there who are interested in a ton of detail about process or this or that NGO. Regardless, well worth the read!
January 2, 2019
Remarkable collection of photos, letters, and brief essays by photojournalist Lynsey Addario. Her photos span almost 20 years, covering multiple wars, refugee crises, and international women's issues. Insightful and touching, they are sometimes difficult to view yet left me wanting more. A truly talented photojournalist, perhaps more so because as a woman she is able to make connections in some closed societies that men would be unable to.
June 28, 2019
i first read her memoir. I was somewhat familiar with her photography from magazines and newspapers but this coffee table sized book is amazing. besides her amazing photographs it tells some of the subjects; stories and there's a fascinating interview with Lynsey. Her bravery amazes me and some photos are hard to look at but talk about putting one's own issues in perspective. i highly recommend this. i wish every world leader would look at it tho our pres would say it's fake news.
April 16, 2020
This book is a photographic journey into war-torn countries with injustice a part of everyday lives. It explores experiences of women in war, women birthing a child in really dire circumstances and the limited resources they have to give an adequate birth. This also explores war, poverty, determination and oh, the story and letters is incredibly impactful.
It is emotionally heavy. I felt so bewildered, surprised and just utterly pressured from the representation of war, poverty, hurt and pain they’re enduring. The photographs communicate an incomprehensible experience for the Western society.
This gives a perspective unlike any other.
I didn’t know that I could be impacted like that in a profound way and seeing the experience of others intimately and personally. It’s a whirlwind.
It is emotionally heavy. I felt so bewildered, surprised and just utterly pressured from the representation of war, poverty, hurt and pain they’re enduring. The photographs communicate an incomprehensible experience for the Western society.
This gives a perspective unlike any other.
I didn’t know that I could be impacted like that in a profound way and seeing the experience of others intimately and personally. It’s a whirlwind.
June 11, 2022
Probably the best book I’ve ever read. Even though it’s largely photos, Addario photographs war zones. Since I studied the Middle East, seeing these photos really gave me perspective on the human consequences of war and I’m really grateful Addario could make this book. What I found most fascinating was just how many countries she travelled to and how many war zones she photographed. Truly incredible.
November 18, 2018
This is an outstanding collection of photographs of people and war. The images are sobering and the human suffering is obvious. Addario has often placed herself in danger to get the photos she needed to tell these stories. It would be great if this photograph would result in the world being a more peaceful place.
October 31, 2018
An award-winning photojournalist showcases some of her best pieces while sharing her thoughts on her career and what she has seen on the front lines of foreign conflict and famine. Incredible stuff.
Read this book.
Read this book.
December 17, 2018
Beautiful photos that really made me think about my own privileged and how others exist in the world. I'm glad that I also read her memoir this year and was able to view this book in the context of knowing more about Addario and her own experiences capturing these images.
January 4, 2019
I loved Lynsey's collection of photography along with her reflections on her career so far. She is an incredibly amazing woman and one I admire. Her work is timely and very important. Beautifully done...loved it.
February 26, 2019
Poignant photos. Really brings to life the devastation of war, poverty, oppression, etc. A few quibbles: perhaps more expansive captions, for example. Yet, perhaps, that would have diluted the power of the images.
May 28, 2022
excelente Book
The Book shares many moving stories and heart breaking pictures it let me see life in different part of the world. Part of the world probably I will never go. Lynsey has a way to share human suffering very human. Amazing book. She is really a story teller.
The Book shares many moving stories and heart breaking pictures it let me see life in different part of the world. Part of the world probably I will never go. Lynsey has a way to share human suffering very human. Amazing book. She is really a story teller.
April 8, 2023
Addario never published a collection of her photographs, fearing that they were "not good enough"! ... until this one. One of the bravest and finest photojournalists of all time, with a fearless commitment to her vocation.
November 3, 2018
Hypnotic. Horrifying and real.
November 10, 2018
A devastating look at war and resilience through the lens of a photojournalist's camera, accompanied by her letters and emails.
January 3, 2019
Addario is one of my favorite photographers and I love her and her work. These stories are heartbreaking and the images are not for the faint of heart. But they are so important.
January 10, 2019
Beautiful book - stunning pictures and well-written story telling. Cherish my current life more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews