Through Gates of Fire: A Journey into World Disorder |
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Martin Bell
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Pages: 256 (Paperback)
ISBN: 0753817861
Pub: Phoenix
Pub date: 2004-08-05
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 218896
Reader Reviews:
A real understanding of modern war politics (1/2 people found this helpful)
A compelling profile of modern war through politics and journalism from a writer that has expreienced both. Bell articulates sensible and thought provoking arguements that can only align you with his way of thinking. His only slight mistake is maybe a slight bias towards the BBC for which he obviously holds a lot of respect in comparison with other broadcasters but by no means detracts from the quality of the writing.
Bell Bites Back - and he means business! (12/14 people found this helpful)
Journalists come and go, but none come as close in writing such unashamedly confrontational stuff than Martin Bell. Himself a journalist, this book tells on his own thoughts about the changing face of war reporting over the last 30 years, through his own experience.
As the title suggests, Bell takes us on a journey 'through gates of fire'. The material in it is so compelling and thought provoking, one can't help but strongly agree on what he is saying. For instance, on the subject of news, you can't help but agree with the fact that nowadays, news is all about putting profit before presenting quality stories. And Bell's own experience makes light work of such heavy criticism he places on the face of modern news reporting. 'Actions have consequences' is one quote he continually mentions throughout the book - and he does so for a very good purpose; to remind ourselves that any war fought will have consequences and the way news reports it will have consequences as well. And considering the recent war in Iraq, you can bet your life that the book was primarily based on it.
This book is more than just a 'journey into world disorder'. It is a voyage into the dark side of war and politics, and the darker side of journalism. And for any war sceptic, young or old, I strongly recommend this book. If you thought you knew the world inside out, think again; as Bell himself quotes, 'this is a world in which it isn't even safe to be dead'.
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