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From the Front: The Story of War through Correspondents
In this gripping archive of war, Michael S. Sweeney presents a fascinating history of the evolution of warfare and of war correspondenceUfrom soldiers working double-duty as recorders of war to today's journalists who don helmets in pursuit of their story. Along the way, readers will discover the important role photographers and writers have played in influencing war, its strategies, and its outcomes. From the Crimean War in 1854 to the ongoing war against terrorism in the 21st century, discover the story of war in all its horror, triumph, and global impact. Then see it brought to life from the home frontUand recorded for posterity—by correspondents reporting from the front lines. In From the Front, Sweeney takes readers to witness war through astonishing photography, maps, artwork, and compelling text. In addition, he features the vivid, first-hand accounts of the journalists who captured war. Among its memorable moments, the book reveals a close-up view of the ill-fated charge of the Light Brigade and, later, Custer's last stand; remembers the Spanish Civil War, featuring accounts of Ernest Hemingway; relives the London Blitz, with a focus on broadcaster Edward Murrow; and forever documents obscure Vietnam battlefields through the lens of Larry Burrows. The first book of its kind, From the Front fosters rare insight into the telling of war, and shows, in exquisite detail, how the tales have shaped our lives.
- GenresJournalism
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2002
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 13, 2015
This book attempts to chronicle the history of news reporters during war-time. I say “attempts” – a 300 page book cannot truly cover this history of the reporting of war by journalists. There are ample photographs throughout which makes it very worthwhile.
Its starts with the Mexican-American War of 1846-47 when Morse code was used and ends in the digital age era with the U.S. led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Reporters have not always wrapped themselves with the truth – and examples are provided. And many reporters have been killed over the years to give us the truth. Some of the photos and reportage described in this book are positively frightening situations to be placed in.
It can be an anguishing job. The photographer, Kevin Carter, who took the indescribable picture of the starving girl in the Sudan, committed suicide after receiving the Pulitzer Prize.
I also learnt that Mathew Brady “The Civil War Photographer”, had a team of people helping him. One of them, Alexander Gardner, broke away from the Brady team and formed his group – that took many famous Civil War photos.
The Vietnam War was the cumulative era of “Freedom of the Press”. After, the military learned to circumscribe the media’s access to the battle zone; much like they did in the early era of press coverage of war in the 18050’s like the Crimean War. The first Gulf War (1990-91) being a prime example of this control.
The pictures in this book are literally stupendous – and some are famous – and likely you have seen some before (think of those Vietnam War pictures).
The text seemed more concerned with historical events, then with the history of the involvement of the press and media.
Its starts with the Mexican-American War of 1846-47 when Morse code was used and ends in the digital age era with the U.S. led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Reporters have not always wrapped themselves with the truth – and examples are provided. And many reporters have been killed over the years to give us the truth. Some of the photos and reportage described in this book are positively frightening situations to be placed in.
It can be an anguishing job. The photographer, Kevin Carter, who took the indescribable picture of the starving girl in the Sudan, committed suicide after receiving the Pulitzer Prize.
I also learnt that Mathew Brady “The Civil War Photographer”, had a team of people helping him. One of them, Alexander Gardner, broke away from the Brady team and formed his group – that took many famous Civil War photos.
The Vietnam War was the cumulative era of “Freedom of the Press”. After, the military learned to circumscribe the media’s access to the battle zone; much like they did in the early era of press coverage of war in the 18050’s like the Crimean War. The first Gulf War (1990-91) being a prime example of this control.
The pictures in this book are literally stupendous – and some are famous – and likely you have seen some before (think of those Vietnam War pictures).
The text seemed more concerned with historical events, then with the history of the involvement of the press and media.
March 22, 2010
This is an absolutely excellent photo book: From the Front: The Story of War by Michael S. Sweeney (Featuring Correspondents’ Chronicles)
It is an amazing photographic account of the wars since the age of photography. Truly harrowing images, very well-known ones (such as the naked girl, running and screaming, burnt by Napalm) and others I had never seen before. First hand accounts of correspondents and images of soldiers, civilians, death and destruction, with such an emotional impact, everyone should read this book and look at the many images. The chapters are titled:
War is News
“Splendid Little Wars”
Total War
World War II
Cold War to Vietnam
War in Time of Peace
You will find photos from as far back as the American Civil war (and some incredible images are amongst them) and up to 9/11.
I really cannot recommend this book enough. For anyone with an interest in photography, war correspondents, or just humans, this is an amazing find. It is also beautifully laid out, interspersed with quotes.
Let me close with a quote from the book that is in the introduction:
Let him who wishes to know what war is look at this series of illustrations. It is so nearly like visiting the battlefield to look over these views that all the emotions excited by the actual sight of the stained and sordid scene, stewed with rags and wrecks, come back to us, and we buried them in the recesses of our cabinet as we would have buried the mutilated remains of the dead they too vividly represented. The sight of these pictures is a commentary on civilization such as the savage might well triumph to show its missionaries.
Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes
after viewing “The Dead of Antiem” at Mathew Brady’s New York studio in September 1862
It is an amazing photographic account of the wars since the age of photography. Truly harrowing images, very well-known ones (such as the naked girl, running and screaming, burnt by Napalm) and others I had never seen before. First hand accounts of correspondents and images of soldiers, civilians, death and destruction, with such an emotional impact, everyone should read this book and look at the many images. The chapters are titled:
War is News
“Splendid Little Wars”
Total War
World War II
Cold War to Vietnam
War in Time of Peace
You will find photos from as far back as the American Civil war (and some incredible images are amongst them) and up to 9/11.
I really cannot recommend this book enough. For anyone with an interest in photography, war correspondents, or just humans, this is an amazing find. It is also beautifully laid out, interspersed with quotes.
Let me close with a quote from the book that is in the introduction:
Let him who wishes to know what war is look at this series of illustrations. It is so nearly like visiting the battlefield to look over these views that all the emotions excited by the actual sight of the stained and sordid scene, stewed with rags and wrecks, come back to us, and we buried them in the recesses of our cabinet as we would have buried the mutilated remains of the dead they too vividly represented. The sight of these pictures is a commentary on civilization such as the savage might well triumph to show its missionaries.
Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes
after viewing “The Dead of Antiem” at Mathew Brady’s New York studio in September 1862
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews