Powerful Days: The Civil Rights Photography of Charles Moore

Charles Moore was there. He witnessed the events of Selma, Birmingham, and Montgomery. His camera captures the struggle at close range, in all its glory, drama, and tragedy. Charles Moore does a fantastic job of showing how the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a series of historic events that took place throughout the South, connected by common themes: justice, fairness, humanity, dignity, and ultimately...love.

It's great to see this book back in print! Moore was one of the most famous photographers of the civil rights movement, and chronicled the people and events in images that have become iconic-- from the exhausted, wounded US marshall assigned to protect James Meredith to the brutality of Birmingham to the quiet pride of the voter registration efforts. The book presents Moore's black-and-white photos in gorgeous, sharp, usually full-page view (some, however, cross the page), and he had an unbelievable talent for catching the expressions and individual moments that really make this history come alive. These photos are works of art as well as historical documents, sometimes difficult to look at, but unforgettable. A very good introduction gives Moore's own words describing some of his experiences with the movement, and clear captions place each picture in historical context. This is a book I've found myself returning to over and over again; I can't imagine anyone interested in the civil rights movement or photojournalism who would regret buying it.

ive had this book for several years and used to skim the photo pages. the photos alon give it a 5 rating. reading the text increases my rating to a 7 if it were permitted. charles moore discusses his background as a white man growing up int he south and his early days as a photojournalist. a great book.