From Library Journal
Barrett (history, Villanova Univ.) has done a sterling job in editing these papers, which provide an excellent insight into what President Johnson's advisers told him about the Viet Nam from November 22, 1963, to January 20, 1969. The documents reflect the advisers' views of the war's progress and their suggestions for what the president should do. Only a few of Johnson's memos are in the collection. One of the fascinating features here is the contrast between what some key advisers (e.g., Robert McNamara) recommended and how they later portrayed themselves. Most of the documents put a positive spin on the war, while only a few, from Senators J. William Fulbright and Richard Russell, urged the commander-in-chief to withdraw U.S. forces. Designed for scholars, specialists in the field, and informed lay readers, these papers would also enhance Vietnam War collections.?Richard P. Hedlund, Ashland Community Coll., Ky.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
David M. Barrett received his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and teaches political science at Villanova University. He is the author of Uncertain Warriors: Lyndon Johnson and His Vietnam Advisers, a chapter on the National Security Council, and numerous scholarly articles and book reviews.
