Philip Jones Griffiths (1936–2008)

Very cool to read something on Viet Nam strictly from that country's point of view. Or, well, from a very sympathetic photographer's point of view. We so screwed that country up, in so many ways. The photos are marvelous, all black and white, and range from scenic to devastating. Pics of agent orange victims, victims of unexploded ordinance (bombs that are still being found and are still injuring people daily), mixed with photos of temples and Ha Long Bay, mixed with photos of what appears to be the victory of capitalism and the poverty it doesn't cure. It's a sobering read. Something about an ancient culture, though, that still survives even after the concerted effort of a world superpower to destroy it is encouraging.… (más)