A Time it Was: Bobby Kennedy in the Sixties [Hardcover]

Bill Eppridge (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2008

On June 6, 1968, at the age of 42 and at the height of his popularity, Robert F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated. Presidential candidate, U.S. Senator, father—Kennedy was all of these things—and, to many Americans, he embodied the power of possibility and positive change during a period of social unrest, racial inequality, and war.

 

Renowned Life photographer Bill Eppridge followed and photographed Kennedy during his early campaign days up to his untimely death, and A Time It Was features dynamic images of the public Kennedy, as well as rare, intimate ones, many of which have never before been published. An essay by Pete Hamill places the events in historical context, while Eppridge shares his insider’s perspective on Kennedy. Released to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of Kennedy’s death, A Time It Was reveals why the memory and legacy of Kennedy and his dreams continue to be relevant today.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bill Eppridge is one of the most accomplished photojournalists of the twentieth century and has captured some of the most significant moments in American history. Over the last 50 years, his work has appeared in numerous publications, including National Geographic, Life, and Sports Illustrated. Pete Hamill is a journalist, essayist, and author of two collections of short stories and ten novels, including Snow in August, Forever, and North River. He is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University. John E. Frook is the former Los Angeles Bureau Chief for Life magazine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Abrams; 1 edition (June 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810971224
• ISBN-13: 978-0810971226
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 10.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #599,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #49 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( K ) > Kennedy, Robert

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for aficionados of photography., May 13, 2008

By 

Carolina A. Miranda (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Time it Was: Bobby Kennedy in the Sixties (Hardcover)

On the surface, 'A Time It Was' may seem like yet another book about the Kennedys. It is most definitely not.

The book is the story of Bill Eppridge, the photographer who took *the* famous shot of a grief-stricken busboy holding Robert Kennedy as he bled to death on a kitchen floor. It's a hauntingly beautiful picture. In fact, it's impossible not to get lost in it: What could have been going on in the minds of a dying Senator and a startled busboy as bedlam unfolded? Do their eyes reveal anything? If so, what do they tell us? These are questions that have probably been asked a million times and answered in a just as many ways.

But what about the photographer? It's easy to forget him. You see things unfold through his eyes, but you don't see him. Yet, this is someone who, in the chaos of an assassination, had enough wits about him to make a picture. In Eppridge's case, he didn't just make a picture. He made one of the most searing images of the 20th century.

'A Time It Was' reveals how this historic photo got made. But it also reminds us that Eppridge made all kinds of pictures (as opposed to just taking them)--and they are bold and graceful, subtle and extravagant, gritty and funny. The book isn't just a salute to RFK, its one man's tribute to the art of photojournalism, in circumstances full of pomp and tragedy. And anyone interested in photography would do well by picking it up.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a book!, May 20, 2008

By 

R. L. FARLEY "R Farley" (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Time it Was: Bobby Kennedy in the Sixties (Hardcover)

The first actual memory I have is sitting at the foot of my parent's bed watching RFK's funeral on TV. I was 5 and I had made a little matchbox car motorcade with a flag draped box for a hearse. So maybe this moment in history, which I have subsequently learned more about, might color my review a bit.

The pictures are really beautiful and I don't recall seeing many of them before. The accompanying narrative is very well done and offers insights to the RFK moment. I am a big Obama fan mainly because I feel he brings the energy and imagination that was promised by RFK. If you want a very good book about an inspiring man and a once in a generation moment get this.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly wonderful!, May 2, 2008

By 

Mark Savoia (New Fairfield, CT USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Time it Was: Bobby Kennedy in the Sixties (Hardcover)

If there ever was a time our country needs to look back in history for help, it certainly is now. This book captures that time. Great insight from a photographer seldom seen today in a presidential campaign. It will make you smile, it will make you cry.