A Photojournalist's Literary Influences: Six Books That Shaped a Life

The Allure of Ancient Stone

Imagine stumbling upon a hidden gem in a dusty charity shop – a book that ignites a lifelong passion. That's exactly what happened to acclaimed photojournalist Don McCullin 25 years ago when he discovered "Pleasure of Ruins" by Rose Macaulay and Roloff Beny. This captivating exploration of the Mediterranean's ruined landscapes sparked his own odyssey, leading to three books documenting the remnants of the Roman Empire. Macaulay's evocative prose, he says, awakened his own fascination with the stories whispered by ancient stones.

Facing the Unthinkable

Even amidst a world of beauty and wonder, darkness can intrude. For McCullin, Primo Levi's "If This Is a Man" serves as a stark reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horror. This harrowing memoir, written with unflinching honesty, recounts Levi's experiences in Auschwitz. McCullin revisits this powerful work when his own nightmares grow too vivid, finding solace and strength in its testament to human endurance.

Adventures in Fact and Fiction

From the horrors of war to the escapism of childhood adventures, McCullin's literary tastes are diverse. Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe," a beloved book from his youth, continues to resonate with him as an adult. He now appreciates Defoe's sharp journalistic mind and his refusal to accept things at face value – qualities that undoubtedly influenced McCullin's own career.

Unconventional Journeys

The allure of faraway lands and bygone eras is captured in Lesley Blanch's "The Wilder Shores of Love." This collection of mini-biographies tells the stories of four extraordinary women who carved out unique lives for themselves in the Middle East. McCullin's love for travel writing shines through in his appreciation for this glimpse into vanished worlds.

The Complexities of a Rebel

Drawn to the enigmatic figure of Roger Casement – Irish rebel, diplomat, and humanitarian – McCullin highly recommends Roland Philipps's 2024 biography, "Broken Archangel." Casement's life, marked by both heroism and tragedy, is brought to vivid life in this compelling account, exploring the many facets of a complex and controversial figure.

The Ghosts of Colonialism

To understand the present, sometimes we must confront the past. Adam Hochschild's "King Leopold's Ghost" offers a chilling account of the brutal exploitation of the Congo Free State in the late 19th century. McCullin suggests this haunting book as essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the roots of Africa's current turmoil. The atrocities detailed within, he warns, are almost beyond belief.