The launch of the photo documentary book Nguyen Ba Khoan - Historical Moments took place on September 23 in Hanoi.
The volume is part of a special 25-title collection published by the People’s Army Publishing House to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2). It was compiled by journalist Nguyen Thi Dieu An, daughter of photojournalist Nguyen Ba Khoan.
Nguyen Ba Khoan (1917-1993) is regarded as one of Vietnam’s pioneering press photographers.
Colonel Nguyen Van Sau, Deputy Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the People’s Army Publishing House, delivers remarks at the book launch.
The 200-page book is divided into three parts, featuring many of his most emblematic works that captured defining moments in the nation’s history - from the Revolutionary High Tide (1936-1939) and the August Revolution with President Ho Chi Minh (1945-1946), to the Southern Advance and the national resistance in Hanoi.
The second section, a photographic appendix, adds valuable material for readers to gain a fuller picture of his creative journey.
The third section, Nguyen Ba Khoan - Life and Career, paints the portrait of an artist-soldier through his most significant achievements, complemented by essays and reflections from scholars, journalists, photographers, and relatives.
An overview of the event.
Together, these contributions offer a multidimensional, heartfelt view of a man whose art was inseparable from his patriotism.
Colonel Nguyen Van Sau, Deputy Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the People’s Army Publishing House, noted that this work, republished after nearly three decades with updated and expanded content, is a precious addition to the commemorative collection.
For his remarkable contributions to Vietnam’s literature and arts, Nguyen Ba Khoan was awarded the First-Class Labor Order, the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts, and many other honors.
His photographs are not only works of art but also part of the nation’s sacred memory.
Translated by DO HUONG
VNQD