Customer Reviews

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: A Photographer's Chronicle of the Iraq War

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Mr. Gilbertson is a talented photohrapher. His shots are well composed and very artistic while natural. His work reminds me of Robert Capa. His images are raw and tell the truth of what war in Iraq is like. From someone who was there and saw the war up close and graphically as seen in this fine book (I was a Marine combat photojournalist from 2002-2006 and served in Iraq from 2004-2005) I can only strongly recommend getting your hands on this book if you have any desire to view a glimpse of the REAL war, not the distilled media nonsense found on CNN or most major networks. A close friend of mine, and fellow Marine camera hound, Joel Chaverri served alongside Gilbertson in Fallujah in November 2004 (Chaverri also has some strong images of his own). They both experienced intense street combat and Gilbertson's photos are an important contribution to the photographic history of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This book was also a fine pill of catharsis as it brought back my own repressed memories from Ramadi, Hit, Al Qaim, and Ar Rutbah. My highest recommendation, buy it and you will be better for it.

Some of the best war photography I've seen. Although it will leave you reeling, this book is probably the only beautiful thing to come out of this war so far. It's nearly impossible to imagine not only being there as Gilbertson was, but that he seemed to risk his life to get each shot -- each one perfect, and all too real.

It certainly does not portray the lighter side but rather gives a gritty look and the real stories, real tragedy, and real life of this war. This book is not for people who can't handle the truth.

This is one of the most beautiful photography books I've seen -- the work is fantastic and the design of the lay-out makes it even more engaging. The writing is also extremely well done and fleshes out the story to make the book even more moving. Excellent work.

I received my order quickly and in good shape. This book is very well done. My son was in Fallujah in '04 and there are actually pictures of him in the book. It was important for my family and I to be able to see where he was and put together the stories that he told us of his experience. It has also been helpful for him in that he can share with us more completely.

"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: A Photographer's Chronicle Of The Iraq War" is a compilation of photojournalist Ashley Gilbertson's photographic record of the occupation of Iraq with special emphasis on the battle of Falluja in 2004. Providing the reader with a photographic album chronicling America's early battles in Iraq, the initial occupation of Baghdad, the insurgency that subsequently erupted, Falluja, and the first national elections following the fall of Saddam, "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" provides captioned snapshots of conflict, celebration, grief, and other iconic moments. As a war-time photo documented history of special interest to anyone interested in America's involvement in the Iraq war, "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" is an impressive body of work and a recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library Photography collections.

IN A WORD,OUTSTANDING! I DONT KNOW HOW THE AUTHOR GOT THE TITLE BY THE CENSORS. VERY CLEVER USE OF THE PHONETIC ALPHABET.TO THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE MILITARY VERNACULAR IT SHOULD RAISE AN EYE. THE TITLE MADE ME TAKE A DOUBLE-TAKE ON THE SHELF AND I HAD TO BUY IT.THE CONTENT IS OUTSTANDING, AND THE PHOTOS BRING BACK VERY VIVID IMAGES OF THE SANDBOX.

Open to the first page of Ashley Gilbert's book and you will be confronted by the bald realities of combat and life in a combat zone. Gilbert's eye and artistic skill combine to capture powerful, emotional scenes that leave the reader reeling. Whatever your politics, whether you view the Iraq War as wrong or right, this book is a must-have.

Gilbert took great personal risks to secure his photographs. The technical demands of camera work in the field under intense conditions--including heavy combat--require tremendous courage, discipline, and technical expertise that few photojournalists possess. As one who has worked in the field with the military (in non-combat situations), I have an inkling of how demanding it is, and how much talent it takes to be good at it. Gilbert masters it all and shows tremendous heart in the process.

These images will linger as expressions of this generation's war for decades to come. Gilbert is the Robert Capa of our times. Do not miss this book.

John Bruning
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I bought this book for a combat wounded friend who was with 1/8 Marines, the unit covered in Battle of Fallujah section of this book. He couldn't speak highly enough of Gilbertson's honest portrayal of men in battle. As others have noted, the photos are stunning and the text raw and personal. Tough to look at but necessary viewing to catch a glimpse of the reality of war.

What a breathtakingly vivid reflection of what we'd all sooner forget. This is an exquisite, painfully detailed collection of photos and text. Capa-worthy certainly. I can't wait to see what will come of such intense and exciting talent.