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One Crowded Hour
Neil Brian Davis was an Australian combat cameraman who for many years was a Vietnam War reporter cameraman. He survived 11 years frontline camera work and was killed in Bangkok on 9 September 1985, while filming a minor Thai coup attempt.
436 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 1995
30 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
Tim Bowden
58 books6 followersTimothy Gibson Bowden was an Australian author, radio and television broadcaster and producer, and oral historian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 11, 2025
One of my favourite books, for the subject matter rather than the writing. Certainly my favourite ever quote:
"One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name" (Thomas Osbert Mordaunt -The Call)
I read this book many moons ago when I was living in Hong Kong and I used to drink with damaged American ex-servicemen who had never made it home after the Vietnam War.
It's the story of Neil Davis, a Tasmanian cameraman and journalist who covered conflicts in South East Asia, mainly the Vietnam War. He was the first western journalist to be shot at by the Americans when he was out filming with the Viet Cong. He was also the first westerner to film with the Khmer Roughe in Cambodia. You have probably seen his footage, the grainy, haunting images of the final few hours at the American embassy in Saigon were shot by Neil Davis.
He was an extraordinary character and it's difficult not to be enamored with all he achieved, and it's difficult not to be horrified by his pointless and stupid death.
"One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name" (Thomas Osbert Mordaunt -The Call)
I read this book many moons ago when I was living in Hong Kong and I used to drink with damaged American ex-servicemen who had never made it home after the Vietnam War.
It's the story of Neil Davis, a Tasmanian cameraman and journalist who covered conflicts in South East Asia, mainly the Vietnam War. He was the first western journalist to be shot at by the Americans when he was out filming with the Viet Cong. He was also the first westerner to film with the Khmer Roughe in Cambodia. You have probably seen his footage, the grainy, haunting images of the final few hours at the American embassy in Saigon were shot by Neil Davis.
He was an extraordinary character and it's difficult not to be enamored with all he achieved, and it's difficult not to be horrified by his pointless and stupid death.
August 4, 2009
My first "meeting" with Neil Davis was watching, on television, his death on the streets of Bangkok during one of those pathetic little coups that occasionally happened in that land of smiles, the camera rolling, rolling on a story that even at the last he couldn't abandon. I then met him again in Tim Bowden's excellent book. Davis did indeed live a "crowded life" and I can never hear the words of that poem without thinking of him, a person whose friend I would wish to have been.
March 27, 2016
Picked this up at an op shop and started reading it on a whim. Its a really interesting biography of an Australian war correspondent from the 1960s to 1980s. The book describes in simple prose how Neil Davis dealt with the extreme trauma of covering the Vietnam and Cambodian wars in such a good humored, even-handed and empathetic way. Although, after dodging many a bullet, Davis died in violent circumstances, it is not a sad ending because he lived his life with a Samurai-like acceptance of risk and death, and their is little doubt, despite the misery he saw and the friends he lost, that he lived a happy and colorful life. Throughout the book, I kept asking myself: how I would have responded to such horrors and extreme stress?
The book also provides an entertaining insight into the correspondent lifestyle during this period, from Davis' many romantic dalliances (some of the stories might strike a modern reader as a little chauvinistic, although being an honest portrayal of the times) to his friendships with many of South East Asia's political elite. And while its not a history of the Indo-China war, as such, it provides a remarkably succinct description of the main political and military dynamics in Vietnam and Cambodia (although probably nothing new for those more on top of their history).
There are some less interesting chapters, mainly to do with his assignments outside of Asia, but the book never gets bogged down.
Overall its a really easy, interesting read. I plan to track down the documentary on Davis to learn more about him.
The book also provides an entertaining insight into the correspondent lifestyle during this period, from Davis' many romantic dalliances (some of the stories might strike a modern reader as a little chauvinistic, although being an honest portrayal of the times) to his friendships with many of South East Asia's political elite. And while its not a history of the Indo-China war, as such, it provides a remarkably succinct description of the main political and military dynamics in Vietnam and Cambodia (although probably nothing new for those more on top of their history).
There are some less interesting chapters, mainly to do with his assignments outside of Asia, but the book never gets bogged down.
Overall its a really easy, interesting read. I plan to track down the documentary on Davis to learn more about him.
July 25, 2010
one of the best biographies i've read.
December 27, 2023
“If Neil Davis is reincarnated, there is little doubt he will be a Cambodian. As one American journalist said, ‘Every correspondent should fall in love with a country.’ Davis fell in love with Cambodia and Cambodians, and from 1970 until Cambodia fell to the Khmer Rouge forces in April 1975, he spent his happiest and most eventful days there.”
I may be biased as a Cambodian but this was a fascinating book which gives insights into the Vietnam War, pre-Khmer Rouge Cambodia (as well as the subsequent tragic regime) and the quirks and dangers of being a war correspondent in Indochina during the 1960s and 70s. In particular, the South Vietnamese perspective is covered extensively, which was super interesting to read about as this tends to be excluded from popular media.
I also loved the exploration of Davis’ own methodical and scrupulous approach to journalism - refusing to have his work edited in a way which would not reflect the truth of the events he filmed, the maintenance of his own physical fitness to keep up with combat and his commitment to remaining apolitical.
I may be biased as a Cambodian but this was a fascinating book which gives insights into the Vietnam War, pre-Khmer Rouge Cambodia (as well as the subsequent tragic regime) and the quirks and dangers of being a war correspondent in Indochina during the 1960s and 70s. In particular, the South Vietnamese perspective is covered extensively, which was super interesting to read about as this tends to be excluded from popular media.
I also loved the exploration of Davis’ own methodical and scrupulous approach to journalism - refusing to have his work edited in a way which would not reflect the truth of the events he filmed, the maintenance of his own physical fitness to keep up with combat and his commitment to remaining apolitical.
June 12, 2016
Neil Davis an Australian hailing from Tasmania, was one of the worlds best war photographers and film makers and wrote in the front of each of his work diaries a quote by Thomas Osbert Mordaunt: "One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name", a line that is immortalized in his biography constructed by Tim Bowden. This is beautifully readable by anyone who cares to pick it up and can be begun without any knowledge of the subject and as other reviewers have mentioned the best biography they have ever read and it is not disappointing on any level. To those remembering his feats the book is a joy as his life is recalled, while his politically incorrect motions are airbrushed aside. The novelization by Christopher Koch, a fellow Tasmanian who knew him 'Highways to a War' should be read before this book otherwise not at all for its likeness to Davis' story will jolt. A must read about a famous Australian who burned twice as bright before losing his life while filming a coup in Bangkok at 51 years old.
December 18, 2021
Neil Davis was one of those rare creatures who certainly lived up to his personal motto: "One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name." One Crowded Hour is a comprehensive biography which succeeds in being compelling while never falling into the trap of idealising the man himself - surely not an easy task when documenting the life of a man who very much shaped the way in which war correspondence and political journalism re practiced in the modern era. Neil Davis was a truly remarkable person, and we'd all be blessed to have a friend who can see us as clearly as Tim Bowden saw him.
October 10, 2017
This is an excellent biography of an Australian combat cameraman. Davis worked in Southeast Asia during the Indonesian Confrontation, Vietnam War and Cambodian civil war periods. He often experienced front line action, getting the pictures of soldiers in combat up close. He paid for this with his life in 1985. The high point of Davis’s career was capturing the image of North Vietnamese tanks entering the US embassy in April 1975. His experiences in Vietnam and Cambodia during 1974-75 make for compulsive reading. I would give this a 4.5.
January 8, 2020
This was another amazing book. At first when I started to read this book, I wasn’t sure that it would interest me but that changed quickly. Once I was caught up in Neil Davis’ life story, it was really difficult to put the book down; an incredible tale and such a tragedy. A recommended read- four stars.
February 12, 2019
Read it in a day so I suppose that warrants the five stars! Fascinating bio and a history lesson as well - all without glorifying war or the subject.
July 5, 2023
Remarkable story from a work of journalism that I suspect is no longer with us. I cant help but wonder if we would all be much better off if we still had a media environment that contained more people like Neil Davis and far fewer opinionated (but generally ignorant) talking heads. SM
May 9, 2023
I’m fascinated by war correspondents; it’s a career I’m simultaneously drawn towards and terrified by, to the point of being repulsed. I’ll spend a week or two thinking I could do it, and then realise in a moment that I’m definitely not cut out for it. This biography of Neil Davis definitely made me realise it’s probably not for me, but it was nevertheless gripping and fascinating. I don’t want to use the word mundanity, but perhaps that best describes his tragic death in a Thai coup after years of covering some of the most brutal conflicts in the second half of the 20th century. This is a great survey of the history of Indochina, the role of journalists in a combat zone, and the life of a single fascinating man. I certainly think anyone should read it, especially if you are interested in journalism or modern history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2011
wow finally got hold of this- been on my wishlist forever. $1. Mine has a different cover - A&R ed 1994.
June 11, 2021
One Crowded Hour by Tim Bowden
Neil Davis was the kind of man that I suspect would be decidedly out of place in the modern world. A Tasmanian who found himself struck by wanderlust in the 1960s and set out to southeast Asia to record the seemingly endless turmoil and upheaval seen there.
Encompassing the Konfrontasi, the early ruptures of fighting in South Vietnam, the full-blown war in Vietnam, the overthrow of Suharto and descent into the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66, the flow of neighbouring wars into Laos and Burma and, most vitally to Davis himself, the destruction of Cambodia, the madness of the Khmer Rouge genocide and subsequent invasion by Vietnam.
As close a friend to Neil Davis as anyone could be, Bowden has done an exceptional job compiling this autobiography. I did not expect to find so much joy in his formative years, which often feel like a makeweight in such books. Sorell and Hobart (particularly the eastern shore of that city) are richly imagined, demonstrating the apparent charm and grit of the subject in natural and gentle ways.
A bittersweet book – Bowden and Davis began work on it shortly before the latter’s death covering one of Thailand’s lesser-known failed military coups in 1985 – we are fortunate that enough time had been spent drawing together the varied thoughts, notes and interviews to do the subject justice.
Never a cynical man, Davis retained humanity and compassion for the victims of war and often risked his life to portray the true human tragedy of war. His thoughts on the sanctity of the importance of journalism and the critical importance of ‘objectivity’ are of note in the current environment.
A rewarding and insightful read.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Neil Davis was the kind of man that I suspect would be decidedly out of place in the modern world. A Tasmanian who found himself struck by wanderlust in the 1960s and set out to southeast Asia to record the seemingly endless turmoil and upheaval seen there.
Encompassing the Konfrontasi, the early ruptures of fighting in South Vietnam, the full-blown war in Vietnam, the overthrow of Suharto and descent into the Indonesian mass killings of 1965–66, the flow of neighbouring wars into Laos and Burma and, most vitally to Davis himself, the destruction of Cambodia, the madness of the Khmer Rouge genocide and subsequent invasion by Vietnam.
As close a friend to Neil Davis as anyone could be, Bowden has done an exceptional job compiling this autobiography. I did not expect to find so much joy in his formative years, which often feel like a makeweight in such books. Sorell and Hobart (particularly the eastern shore of that city) are richly imagined, demonstrating the apparent charm and grit of the subject in natural and gentle ways.
A bittersweet book – Bowden and Davis began work on it shortly before the latter’s death covering one of Thailand’s lesser-known failed military coups in 1985 – we are fortunate that enough time had been spent drawing together the varied thoughts, notes and interviews to do the subject justice.
Never a cynical man, Davis retained humanity and compassion for the victims of war and often risked his life to portray the true human tragedy of war. His thoughts on the sanctity of the importance of journalism and the critical importance of ‘objectivity’ are of note in the current environment.
A rewarding and insightful read.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
October 31, 2023
What an interesting life Neil Davis lead. I enjoyed hearing all about Tasmania in the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s, and then south east Asia in the 60’s, 70’s & early 80’s. The writing is very old style & a bit dated, with some stories inexplicably repeated, almost verbatim, on more than one occasion, and does go on about what a pants man his subject is, but if you can get past that the book is worth the time just for the great sense of history and place - it’s clear how much ND loved Cambodia & South Vietnam.
March 11, 2018
it was refreshing to read about an australian perspective of the atrosities of vietnam and cambodia. reading of the resilience of the south vietnamese gave me a side of the story i havent yet seen depicted in hollywood. i went into this with no strong understanding of these wars but found it accessible. davis had an incredible life and gave back so much through his work. a true aussie hero.
December 19, 2017
Superbly written, compelling and heartbreaking biography. Takes you right inside the Vietnam war and the character of Neil Davis, a Tasmania photographer and war correspondent. The book is a keeper for me.
May 27, 2019
This was a seriously inspiring, informative and incredibly gripping biography of Neil Davis! It gave a really incredible snapshot of photojournalism in conflict (no pun intended) which would enthral any reader,
July 28, 2024
Rare documentation of the unwarranted war involving the US of the Vietnam war. Plus other vague actions uncovered by Davis on Pol Pot and other indiscriminate wars going on around the world at the time. Gutsy and courageous to the very end an amazing reporter.
October 2, 2024
I think more of a 3.5 rather than a 4 as I did not think that the writing was that great but his story was a really interesting..clearly a larrikin/womaniser/blokes bloke but also so much more. A fascinating insight into a relatively recent part of our history
June 24, 2018
A terrifically compelling biography, the story of a great Australian journalist who’s heart was always looking to understand and fairly present both sides of the story.
Before reading I was only generally familiar with the wars in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand that Neil Davis so extensively covered, but this book has now given me a far greater understanding of the intricacies of each of those situations.
This book is definitely up there now next to one of my all-time favourite Australian bios, A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey.
Before reading I was only generally familiar with the wars in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand that Neil Davis so extensively covered, but this book has now given me a far greater understanding of the intricacies of each of those situations.
This book is definitely up there now next to one of my all-time favourite Australian bios, A Fortunate Life by A. B. Facey.
June 17, 2021
Whilst listening to this I fell asleep.
October 25, 2021
Best biography I’ve ever read! (Haven’t read that many tbh)
May 17, 2022
Excellent book. Vietnam was a mess. So sad that he died on the streets of Bangkok.
April 1, 2018
For the biography Not the Man (Neil Davies) in question.from a non Australian take out The Oz FACTOR (add extra stars if in AU), overall consider this as pretty average biography from a Good read angle. That said from the Western perspective it does give a nice untainted view of this Troublesome era In Southeast Asia.
January 2, 2018
Really interesting biography of Neil Davis, Australian cameraman and reporter during some if the terrible conflicts of the second half of C20th
January 13, 2014
One Crowded Hour is a great read. Someone gave it to my dad, who had served in the army in Vietnam, and he encouraged me to read it as he knew I was interested in journalism. Tim Bowden has written a biography full of detail and excitement. He knew Neil Davis well and gives an honest portrayal of his character. There's a real warmth that flows throughout the book even though it's far from sentimental. It takes a specific person to willingly put themselves on the front line for a story and Bowden gives a better insight into the character of a man who did.
One Crowded Hour doesn't glorify war or make Neil Davis into some golden hero. It's entirely credible, un-putdownable, and I happily recommend it.
After reading I recommend you watch interviews and samples of his footage on YouTube.
One Crowded Hour doesn't glorify war or make Neil Davis into some golden hero. It's entirely credible, un-putdownable, and I happily recommend it.
After reading I recommend you watch interviews and samples of his footage on YouTube.
January 23, 2015
Picked this up in a collection on iBooks for Australia Day. I had no real knowledge of Neil, having been only 14 when he was killed. In fact, in my mind I had him confused with Damian Parer, a wartime cameraman from a generation before.
I found this a book I could not put down, a fascinating read both for its detailed examination of Asian conflict in the 60s and 70s and amazing career of Davis. This is a book I'm glad I found and I highly recommend it.
I found this a book I could not put down, a fascinating read both for its detailed examination of Asian conflict in the 60s and 70s and amazing career of Davis. This is a book I'm glad I found and I highly recommend it.
December 21, 2018
I’m not sure why I chose to read this book - a general interest in combat drove the decision I suppose, and in that regard, there were some insights here.
However, I really don’t think I liked the guy as he was painted in this biography. Was he brave, or really foolish? Likeable or mildly misogynistic and abusive? Was he really cold towards people, or was he a pitiable case of PTSD?
Maybe the uncertainty was the point... after all, who really knows another person?
However, I really don’t think I liked the guy as he was painted in this biography. Was he brave, or really foolish? Likeable or mildly misogynistic and abusive? Was he really cold towards people, or was he a pitiable case of PTSD?
Maybe the uncertainty was the point... after all, who really knows another person?
February 8, 2023
I read this in 1997 and had some doubts about how and why Bowden included some content, and I've just revisited it and still feel the same, if not more so.
To see my review please visit anzlitlovers.com
To see my review please visit anzlitlovers.com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews