A visual history of ISIS in the first issue of Magnum Chronicles

For over 70 years, Magnum Photos has represented some of the most distinctive photographers in the world, from Henri Cartier-Bresson, who co-founded Magnum in 1947, to Eve Arnold to Martin Parr. These photographers are renowned for their idiosyncratic perspectives and images that combine journalism with fine art.

Newspaper Club is proud to partner with Magnum to produce Magnum Chronicles, a free newspaper series that uses photos from Magnum's vast archive to explore today's social and political events. Each issue will be curated by a different Magnum photographer, who will present a brief visual journey through a subject of our time.

A Brief Visual History in the Time of ISIS is the first issue in the series, published as a traditional mini. It features over 40 images, curated by award-winning photographer Peter van Agtmael, that explore the history and effects of the fall-out from ISIS and their actions over the recent past. Peter Harling, an expert on the Middle East, contributes an essay and timeline of events.

“History and how we interpret it is constantly in flux, but there are moments that demand thoughtful reflection without expectation of definitiveness,” van Agtmael writes in his editor’s letter. “Magnum Chronicles allows us to react to critical issues with a timeliness that is difficult in a full-length book.”

The newspaper will be distributed at cultural venues and bookshops across Europe and the USA from mid April. You can find a full list of stockists on Magnum's website.

Below, some of our favourite spreads from the first issue of Magnum Chronicles.

Top to bottom: Iraq. Anbar Province. 2008. A Sunni militiaman at a checkpoint near Karmah. Moises Saman | Iraq. Taji Airbase, Baghdad. 2005. Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse trial on TV. 86th CSH (Combat Support Hospital) in the Green Zone. Thomas Dworzak

Top to bottom: Syria. Hama. 1995. Gasoline station at the entrance of the city. Harry Gruyaert | Syria. Damascus. 2003. Photo of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a cafe. Alex Majoli

Top to bottom: Iraq. Fallujah. 2016. A chain in an ISIS prison where prisoners were hung to be tortured. Paolo Pellegrin | Iraq. Kirkuk. 2014. Destroyed vehicles litter a hill at the eastern entrance to Kirkuk. Moises Saman

Top to bottom:  GB. Wales. Llandudno. Bank Holiday. 2013 © Martin Parr/Magnum Photos | TURKEY. Istanbul. June, 2016. © Newsha Tavakolian/Magnum Photos

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