Humanity in War

More about the book

Published to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Red Cross's founding idea at the Battle of Solferino, this work explores the history of the world's largest humanitarian organization through its remarkable photographic archive. These iconic images, part of an international campaign, document the harsh realities of war and highlight the Red Cross’s effectiveness in providing aid without discrimination. They also reflect the evolution of photography, showcasing moments from the American Civil War to contemporary works by renowned photographers like James Nachtwey and Sebastian Salgado. As warfare has transformed over the years, the Red Cross has adapted its mission, expanding beyond medical assistance to include educators, water specialists, nutritionists, and legal experts. Despite this evolution, its core activities—visiting detainees, facilitating prisoner exchanges, repatriating the wounded, tracing missing persons, and reconnecting families—remain vital. Caroline Moorehead, a biographer and journalist, has previously written about the International Committee of the Red Cross and Martha Gellhorn. James Nachtwey, an acclaimed American photojournalist, has received the Overseas Press Club's Robert Capa Gold Medal five times, underscoring his impact on war photography.