The Hidden Photobooks: Vietnam Inc
Vietnam Inc.
Philip Jones Griffiths
Collier Books, New York, 1971
This is the first of our short series of posts to celebrate The Hidden Photobooks display in the Main Library, running from 1 – 30 September and part of the St Andrews Photography Festival.
We’re starting with this one because the very first photobook I ever owned was “Tim Page‘s Nam”* though the difference between the two photographers was substantial. If Page embodied the more hedonistic attitudes of the first “rock ‘n’ roll war”, Philip Jones Griffiths’ approach was perhaps more sober and conscientious.
As well as some extraordinary photographs, this book is unusual in that it contains a deal of text written by the photographer, most of it scathing:
“This book will, I hope, reveal that the events in Vietnam occurred because of the absence of the restraining influence of consummate wisdom. For the overwhelming impression afforded by Americans in Vietnam is one of stupidity rather than evil, an observation accentuated by comparison with the Vietnamese.”
Published in 1971, three years after the Tet Offensive of 1968, and four before the fall of Saigon in 1975, Griffiths contrasts the American military presence with that of Vietnamese daily life, and the impact each has upon the other.
As with all books documenting war, some of these images are horrifying, some heartbreaking; the caption to one reading
“MADNESS At the age of two, this boy was in the arms of his fleeing mother when she was killed by a helicopter gunship outside their home. He survived but went insane. Now he spends his life chained up. When helicopters pass overhead he goes berserk trying to shut out their sound.”
Like so many photographers from that time, Griffiths had his part to play in turning public opinion against the war.
When not part of the current display, you can find it here: DS557.A61G8 (world history – Asia – French Indochina – Vietnam – 1954-75 – Vietnam war – US)
(see also Philip Jones Griffiths’ “Vietnam at Peace”, folio DS559.912G8)
*Actually not true. The first photobook I owned was “Interference” by Nick Rhodes, Duran Duran’s keyboard player. It comprised a series of manipulated and artfully-titled Polaroids Rhodes had taken from television screens. Wish I’d kept my copy.
-MG
Come along to the Main Library on North Street to take a look for yourself. This book is part of The Hidden Photobooks display which is running from 1 – 30 September and is part of the St Andrews Photography Festival. Everyone is welcome and the event is free. Check out the Library Instagram for photographs Marcus has chosen from his own work to accompany these blog posts.