The A To Z Of The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War is anything but a forgotten war. Even today, the strategies that led to an unexpected American defeat are hotly debated, and much remains controversial and unclear, which is not surprising given the nature of the combat in which the Vietnamese guerrilla warfare eventually won out over high-tech weaponry. The task of clarifying the issues without oversimplifying this complex war that impacted the world is undertaken by The A to Z of the Vietnam War: first in its chronology, then in its introduction, but mainly in a substantial dictionary section including hundreds of entries on significant persons (military and political), places, events, armed units, battles and lesser engagements, and weapons. And for those seeking further information, an extensive bibliography is included.

Vietnam became part of French Indochina in 1887 and did not regain its independence again until after the Vietnam War. However, despite a relatively peaceful two decades the country experienced little economic growth because of conservative leadership policies. In an effort to change this stagnation, Vietnamese authorities have committed to economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export-driven industries. The A to Z of Vietnam focuses on the recent changes and leadership of Vietnam while giving due attention to the earlier kingdoms, the period of French Indochina, the wars for liberation, the Vietnam War, and much more. Hundreds of cross-referenced A to Z dictionary entries are included on political, economic, social and cultural aspects as well as the major cities and geographic features. This book also contains a chronology and introduction that traces Vietnam's history, as well as a bibliography.

Covering the thirty years between 1945 and 1975, In Country: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War is a balanced, comprehensive "A to Z" encyclopedia on the conflict that includes definitive coverage of all aspects of the war--both on the home front and "in country."

"The most divisive war in modern US history escalated without ever even being declared. In August of 1964, Congress ceded its authority to declare war by passing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. A Comprehensive Film Guide to Motion Pictures and Television that pertain to the War in Vietnam. Through the eyes of Hollywood, some insight, facts and stories about this lost conflict. The Vietnam War is every American's story. A to Z Film Guide."--Back cover.

Focusing on key strategies, crucial issues, battle actions, and personalities in the Vietnam conflict, John Prados draws from a broad range of evidence to illuminate the high points of the war and puncture its popular and enduring mythologies. A model of lucid writing and fair judgment which tells us things we need to know.--Thomas Powers. A sophisticated, eye-opening text that anyone interested in the disputes surrounding the war should read.--Peter R. Farber, War in History. Thought-provoking, enlightening...a fascinating book.--James C. Ruehrmund, Jr., Richmond Times-Dispatch.