Portrait of a Tragedy: America and the Vietnam War [Hardcover]

James A. Warren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1990

A discussion of the causes, events, and aftermath of the longest and most controversial conflict in American history.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

While Warren's purported aim is to present an even-handed account of the Vietnam era for contemporary youngsters, this is not a clear-cut narrative history; it does not, unfortunately, differentiate sufficiently between versions of the "facts" for the uninformed reader. The book is best seen as historical interpretation with a clear point of view: America lacked the "will" to win. Warren notes that "some have called the actions of antiwar activists treasonous, and not without justification." In the final chapter, he reviews the "theories that have been put forth to explain how the United States was humiliated by North Vietnam." Warren believes that "the intensity of our will . . . was kept deliberately low"; he further asserts that Americans "were never presented with a clear objective that seemed worthy of the sacrifice necessary to win." Adults who agree with this view may term this work an eloquent survey; opponents may find it skewed. The book would have been enhanced by a more inclusive glossary and a pronunciation guide. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-- Warren's premise--that the prolonged conflict in Vietnam was a tragedy for all concerned--is reflected in this evenhanded account. He opens with background about Vietnam and a description of how the U. S. got involved there, stressing that the cold war political climate often influenced our actions as much as the events in Southeast Asia. He then covers the conflict in some detail, describing military operations in Vietnam and their effects there and in the U. S. Using historical material available since the war, Warren describes the North and South Vietnamese people, the antiwar movement in the U. S., and the legacy of the war to help young readers understand the complexity of the conflict. He writes clearly and is objective throughout, describing both sides of many controversies, issues, and actions. This is an attractive oversized volume with wide margins; large black-and-white photographs; and a clean, open look. Maps and diagrams illustrate places and events; the suggested reading list offers titles at a variety of reading levels. This book lacks the detail of the four-volume "War in Vietnam" series (Childrens) by Wright, but it will have a wider audience. An unbiased presentation that puts the Vietnam conflict into historical perspective. --Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School,
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 206 pages
• Publisher: Lothrop Lee & Shepard; 1st edition (May 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688074545
• ISBN-13: 978-0688074548
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,761,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars PORTRAIT OF A TRAGEDY America and the Vietnam War, February 15, 2002

By 

David L. Eastman "DAVE EASTMAN, OL 23,-24" (Center Sandwich, NH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Portrait of a Tragedy: America and the Vietnam War (Hardcover)

Our town librarian asked me to take this book home and rate it. As a Vietnam vet, she was curious for my review and reaction. I must say the book is presented in a dispassionate way, but chronicles the movement of our involvement in this far Asian country over the years, as young people need to know about. I was a helicopter pilot in the Mekong Delta, stationed at Vinh Long with the 175th Outlaws, one of the most affectionate helicopter units in-country. I am very familiar with many of the episodes and locales featured in the book. I would recommend PORTRAIT OF A TRAGEDY as an historical overview of the conflict, but it lacks the passion of the years describing all that went on--there and in the USA. It is well constructed, and for those people who cannot figure why we ever got involved in this entanglement, it could present the situation in a rational dialogue for them to think about. My book centers on the experiences of flying helicopters and the camaraderie experienced by the Army aviators in this war.