Dictionary of the Vietnam War [Hardcover]

James S. Olson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 11, 1988 | ISBN-10: 0313249431 | ISBN-13: 978-0313249433

This historical Dictionary of the Vietnam War is designed to provide a ready reference tool for students and scholars alike. Its major focus is the thirty years between 1945 and 1975; critically important individuals and events from earlier years are also discussed. The first volume to deal with this historically significant and controversial war, it includes brief descriptive essays on most of the people, legislation, military operations, and controversies important to an understanding of the American participation in the Vietnam War. References at the end of each entry provide guidance to sources of additional information. Five appendixes complete this carefully constructed study, each focusing on a topic of major relevance in understanding the subject, such as a description of the population of South Vietnam, the minority groups of South Vietnam, a glossary of slang expressions and acronyms, a selected bibliography of the Vietnam War, and a chronology.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This one-volume encyclopedia provides very thorough coverage of key concepts, people, and locations of the Vietnam War. In quality and format comparable to Harry Summers's Vietnam War Almanac ( LJ 1/86), this is nearly twice its size and so covers more ground. The entries are generally longer and more detailed, with more extensive biographical pieces. Absent from Summers's but included here are specific books and films about Vietnam; and entries for jargon like "wasted," and "Five O'Clock Follies," which define and discuss their significance as well. Editor Olson wrote most of the articles; the text is well balanced; and published sources are cited after each entry. If a choice must be made, this is preferred, though Summers's fine work is still valuable for its career-soldier's perspective. Richard W. Grefrath, Univ. of Nevada Lib., Reno
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“This is an outstanding reference work.”–Infantry

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 593 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (February 11, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313249431
• ISBN-13: 978-0313249433
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,419,427 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)