Eyes of the World: Robert Capa, Gerda Taro, and the Invention of Modern Photojournalism Hardcover – Import, 28 March 2017

Bel libro

I didn’t realize this when I ordered the book, coming off the back of a documentary I’d seen in which the authors spoke of Capa and Taro. Then the book arrives with a sticker about wining a young adult fiction award, uh oh. And indeed; it’s written in a jolly teacher tone, in the present tense, to engage readers in the story and what motivated this couple. But there is a lot of simplistic celebratory endorsement, no critical reflection, too much historical context and as such it becomes a tedious read for an adult who already knows about the Spanish Civil War or even photography. (There is scant mention of their gear, or how it is used, just simplistic description of the film photography process.) Shame, as the subject matter is definitely worthy of serious historical study. I’m baffled why this audience was chosen rather than adults, given how few kids I can imagine being remotely interested in this stuff. And I say that as a History teacher.

I had heard Marc talk about this book at a conference last year, and his enthusiasm for the project had all attendees anxious to get a copy. I just got one for my library today, and it was worth the wait! First of all, the design of the book is flawless. I can imagine my middle school students picking it up just because they're attracted by the cover, and the square shape, familiar to students as an Instagram format, but also reminiscent of Taro's photos taken with her Reflex-Korelle camera. The layout compels you to keep turning pages, but you will linger over the photos--and text--for hours. This is the type of nonfiction our students deserve--written without condescending to them, and with such obvious attention to each detail. The appendices, descriptions of the political figures in the book, and timeline will all help students deepen their understanding. There is also a website for the book created by the International Center for Photography that provides further detail on the photographs. This book belongs in every middle and high school library!

Très bel ouvrage.

It fully lives up to its subtitle. And I think the best single book I have read about the Spanish Civil war. What a tragedy that the West allowed Fascist Franco to triumph over a popular and freely elected government. Very possible WWII could have been averted if Hitler and Mussolini had not been allowed to use Spain as a training ground for further invasion. And Capa and Taro photographed it all and the subtext of the book was their love story.