via Click, a photojournalism and photography resource, comes a collection of both enthralling and disturbing historical photographs of Hiroshima following the atomic bomb explosion during World War II.

“The Robert L. Capp collection at the Hoover Institution Archives contains ten never-before-published photographs illustrating the immediate aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing. These photographs, taken by an unknown Japanese photographer, were found in 1945 among rolls of undeveloped film in a cave outside Hiroshima by U.S. serviceman Robert L. Capp, who was attached to the occupation forces. Unlike most photos of the Hiroshima bombing, these dramatically convey the human as well as material destruction unleashed by the atomic bomb. Mr. Capp donated them to the Hoover Archives in 1998 with the provision that they not be reproduced until 2008. Three of these photographs are reproduced in Atomic Tragedy with the permission of the Capp family. Now that the restriction is no longer in force, the entire set is available below.” — Sean L. Malloy, Cornell University Press

I can’t ask you without caution to look at these photographs, as they are incredibly graphic and disturbing. However, I think it is important that we recognize the tragedy and sadness of the situation, as well understand the historical ramifications of such an event. You could say that there are similar discussions being raised over the publication and use of graphic images from today’s conflicts, including images that arise from natural disasters like the recent cyclone and series of hurricanes that lashed the southern gulf states. And while it is hard to look away, it is harder still to study the photographs and truly comprehend the incomprehensible. It is only on the understanding of these and similar photographs that we understand the effects of war and tragedy.

You can find the other photographs and text here.