Margaret Bourke-White: A Biography

by Vicki Goldberg

Profiles the pioneering photojournalist whose accomplishments included being the only foreign photographer in Moscow during the Nazi bombardment, being the first woman photographer accredited to the U.S. armed forces, and being the first to photograph the Allied entry to Buchenwald

Genres: Biography, Photography, Nonfiction, Art, History

426 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Victoria Hesse Goldberg was an American photography critic, author, and photo historian based in New Hampshire, United States. She has written books and articles on photography and its social history.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Margaret Bourke-White's autobiography just before I read this book - it was interesting to see what she left out, and what she emphasized more than this book. This book by Vicki Goldberg filled in some gaps, gave viewpoints of people who knew her and created a more well-rounded view of her, but I have to say I enjoyed the autobiography more. Margaret was a good writer, as well as an awesome photographer.

I admire her art - her photography and her "eye." I also admire her for her determination, tenacity, moxie and courage. What amazing adventures she had!

She believed she could become whatever she wanted to be - and she did.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been fascinated by Bourke-White since I was a teenager. She took such great photos and lived such a large adventurous life. This biography tells the story well but it is the photos that engage me the most.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting. She had to make some touch choices in order to have a career.

[Annapurna Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any female photographers out there. Margaret Bourke-White was a pioneer in our field, and led an incredible life. The passion for her work, her dedication to getting the best story, and the way she lived without fear makes a very inspiring read. Goldberg has done a very good job at highlighting both the personal events of her life, as well as marking the stages of her career.

[Kimberly Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing soul who had an amazing career.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book about a truly fascinating woman.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Margaret Bourke-White: A Biography (Paperback)
by Vicki Goldberg (Goodreads Author)

[Brian Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admired her more before reading this book. Vicki Goldberg’s MARGARET BOURKE-WHITE: A BIOGRAPHY is meticulously researched and well-written; but I’m left with the impression that MBW was a person I would not have liked nor particularly understood. Of course, likeability is quite irrelevant. There are plenty of historically important figures whom I admire but am quite certain I would not have liked – Churchill comes to mind. MBW, in Vicki Goldberg’s account, was simply a machine who used people and made photographs. As a photographer there is nothing from her life that I can take away to make me a better photographer, or even a better person. Therein lies the rub.

So would I recommend this book? There are lots of very good reasons to read this most excellent, likely definitive, biography even if finding inspiration is not among them.

[Artlab]

Photography