Passage to Vietnam: Through the Eyes of Seventy Photographers [Hardcover]

Rick Smolan (Author, Editor), Jennifer Erwitt (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1994

The creators of the phenomenal Day in the Life series now present an elegant collection of photographs--the work of 70 photojournalists from 23 nations--that offers an intimate look at the people of Vietnam as their nation launches into a new era. 200 photos, many in color. Size D. Touring photographic exhibition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A fascinating look at an ancient nation in the midst of dramatic change. Spectacular photographs and a detailed text present an intimate and comprehensive look at Vietnam. To create this unusual portrait, 70 photographers from fourteen countries were given unprecedented access to a country that is just now emerging from decades of war and isolationism.

Magnum photographer Bruno Barbey rides along with thousands of pilgrims down the Swallow River to the Perfume Pagoda. Pulitzer Prize-winner Jay Dickman travels to the northern highlands, where he photographs the ancient Hmong tribe. And former Life photographer Kick Swanson goes back to Vietnam for the first time since the war, photographing its lingering effects on the people of the Quang Tri Province.

The photographs are complemented by captions written by Fortune magazine editor Colin Leinster. In addition, noted travel writer Pico Iyer shares his impressions of a country just awakening from twenty years of isolation. Pulitzer Prize-winner Stanley Karnow explores the long struggle the Vietnamese have waged to preserve their homeland. And Vietnam Investment Review correspondent Peter Saidel gives an insider's look at Vietnam as socialism and commerce meet face to face.

From Publishers Weekly

The work of 70 photojournalists from 14 countries (including 15 Vietnamese photographers), this eye-opening and beautiful photo-essay on Vietnam portrays a reunified country still recovering from the wounds of war. More than 200 candid color photographs take us inside homes and temples, brick and bicycle factories, oil fields, open-air markets and college dorms, profiling a people of restless energy and ancient culture. Sponsored by U.S. and Thai corporations, the book argues that Vietnam's Marxist communism "is hardly strident or insistent," and that reforms of the last decade have freed the nation from Ho Chi Minh's doctrinaire policies, allowing private ownership of businesses, foreign investment and greater freedom of expression and worship. Smolan created the bestselling "Day in the Life" photo-essay series; Erwitt is the project director of Against All Odds Productions. 85,000 first printing; $100,000 ad/promo; first serial to Newsweek (cover story); BOMC selection.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Against All Odds Productions; 1st edition (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885559003
• ISBN-13: 978-1885559005
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 10.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,116,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A deeply cultural perspective on lifestyles, culture, values, March 13, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Passage to Vietnam: Through the Eyes of Seventy Photographers (Hardcover)

Vietnam is one of the most picturesque countries and colorful cultures. Yet it remains as one of the least understood countries in the world, despite having been one of the most publicized. This photo journalistic journey allows pictures to speak volumes. Look into the eyes of the children, the lives of the rice farmers. The art, the economy, family and community interaction -- are all visible and life-like in this representation of life today in Vietnam

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertainment Weekly says:, October 19, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Passage to Vietnam: Through the Eyes of Seventy Photographers (Hardcover)

PASSAGE TO VIETNAM (Against All Odds/Interval Research, CD-ROM for PC and Mac, $39.95) With its 400 photos, hour of video, lilting indigenous music, and insightful essays, this landmark disc transports you to contemporary Vietnam, where pigs squawk, mothers tote babies on their backs, and peddlers hawk dried sea horses. This Passage, produced with Scorsese-like lushness by Rick Smolan, is no swanky animated program, but it is virtual reality of a high and literary nature because it makes you dream. Without wasting words, the photographers eloquently tell the stories behind their pictures--stories of people at work and play. Though we can't help but remember the horror of war, Passage helps us to see that time has begun its healing. A+ --Harold Goldberg

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent., January 13, 2002

By 

alainviet "alainviet" (Indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Passage to Vietnam: Through the Eyes of Seventy Photographers (Hardcover)

This book, which should be entitled "A day in the Life of Vietnamese" is the creation of Rick Smolan of the "Day in the Life" series.

In 1994, 70 photographers descended on Vietnam for a week to take pictures of the Vietnamese at work from north to south. They caught people in the middle of shopping, selling, eating, working, napping, and so on. The result is a fascinating book detailing the life of Vietnamese during that week.

While most pictures are interesting and original, a few are unique to the Vietnamese society.