Customer Reviews

Robert Capa: A Biography

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It is amazing to me that no one has taken time to review this book ("Good read" is NOT a review). It is the story of one of the most enigmatic and interesting men of the 20th Century. Robert Capa is considered by all who have the right to critique his work as the greatest war photographer of all time. He earned this title by the time he was 25, and unfortunately, war finally took him when he stepped on a land mine in Vietnam in 1954.
The author, the late Richard Whelan, addresses any discrepancies ever brought up regarding Capa's work and writes about him with such understanding, one finds it hard to believe he never met the man. Whelan has passed on, but he left us with a fascinating portrait of an artist little known by the everyday man. Steven Spielberg designed the war scenes in "Saving Private Ryan" after Capa's photographs. What a gift it would be if he would produce a film of Capa's life, rather than staying with safe, commercial subjects. Better yet - George Clooney would realize the greatness of the subject and if "Good Night and Good Luck" is any example, he would do Capa's life justice.
Capa truly loved only one woman, Gerda Taro, who was also killed in action, but early on in the Spanish Civil War. He never married. He was born in Hungary but remained a citizen of the world and traveled and was loved by the very poor and the rich and famous, including Irwin Shaw, Hemingway, Steinbeck and Ingrid Bergman. He was universally loved and admired by men and women alike. His photographs of everyday life in Spain during the Spanish Civil War show his gift of catching the warmth and humanity in his subjects. Nothing is ever posed and they always have a sense of immediacy. He gives you a great sense of the drama of the moment and was absolutely fearless in going wherever necessary to capture the tragedy and grief of war. I highly recommend the reader view the film "Overlord" and listen to the commentary by Director Stuart Cooper. The film pays homage to Capa by its use of the camera, and Cooper knew and respected Capa's artistry in both film and the written word.
I am just finishing this book and how I hate to see it end. Oddly enough, I feel as though I am about to say goodbye to an old friend - that is how personal this biography is written. My only criticism is that Whelan does not keep you advised of the years when he talks of the events in Capa's life. You have to make notes and keep track to get a sense of what exact year it was to understand what was going on in the world at that time. I made notes on the pages to make it easier, but otherwise, this is a flawless book written with love and clear eyes. I hope they bring it back in print.
You might also look in your LOCAL INDEPENDENT BOOK STORE for the several books still in print of his photographs. (Some also available here on Amazon) When you look at his photos, they transport you. Don't be surprised if they put a lump in your throat. His was a gift we all lost. Thank God publishers realize what a mark this man continues to make on photography and of the era in which he lived and keep his pictures in print. He captured history with a camera better than anyone. He was bigger than life, and remains so in death. Capa - I hope you are reading this.

Capa was a star. I'd love to meet the guy.