Bui-Doi
ByPeter Newland Quilcene, Washington: Pied Typer Press, 2014. Open numbered edition.

7.5 x 6"; 14 pages. Photos and text by the artist. Photo negatives scanned and processed by Robyn Johnson. Digitally printed in Atilla font. Bound in glossy white boards. Signed and numbered by the artist.

Peter Newland, Prologue: "The song Bui-Doi opens the second act of Miss Saigon, the twelfth longest running show in Broadway musical theater history. Bui-Doi roughly translates to 'street children.' The song proclaims they are 'the dust of life.'

"I served in Vietnam with the United States Army 4th Transportation Command in 1970-71, stationed first in Saigon and later at Long Bihn. Our commanding officer encouraged us to volunteer for 'service projects.' I did, helping among other things to construct a shed roof over the kitchen patio at Go-Vap Orphanage. There were many orphanages throughout South Vietnam during the war years. Many still exist today. In 1975, after Saigon fell, Vietnam was 'reunified' and the city was renamed Hoh Chi Minh city. The new regime ordered all orphanages to burn their records, thus turning to ashes the history of the children who had been helped to survive.

"I did not understand the language or much about the children whose photographs are here. But we shared a common bond around survival. I know what has happened to my life. I still wonder what has happened to theirs."

Colophon: "The photos and text are by Specialist 4th Class, Donald Peter Newland, SS# xxx-xx-xxx6, United States Army, honorably discharged. The photos were taken and developed by the author in country during his 1970 tour of duty."
$50