The Vietnam War 1956-1975 [Paperback]

Andy Wiest (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 13, 2002 | Series: Essential Histories (Book 38)

The Vietnam War was arguably the most important event, or series of events, of the "American Century." America entered the brutal conflict certain of its Cold War doctrines and certain of its moral mission to save the world from the advance of communism. As this book explains, however, the war was not at all what the United States expected. Outnumbered and outgunned the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces resorted to a guerrilla war based on the theories of Mao Zedong of China. This was war reduced to its most basic level - find the enemy and kill him.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I am most favorably impressed by the Essential Histories series on the American Civil War. Written by four of the best historians of the military course of the war, these volumes provide a lucid and concise narrative of the campaigns in both the Eastern and Western theaters as well as penetrating analyses of strategies and leadership. Ideal for classroom use or fireside reading."

From the Publisher

This unique series studies every major war in history looking at all the aspects of war, from how it felt to be a soldier to the lasting impact of the conflict on the world around it.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (November 13, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841764191
• ISBN-13: 978-1841764191
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #463,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good intro, June 21, 2004

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Vietnam War 1956-1975 (Paperback)

Though I lived through the Vietnam era, I found following the fighting then very difficult, especially as regards Laos and Cambodia. After reading this book, I feel I now have a clear outline of the military aspects and strategies of the war. (Though there is some discussion of the homefront, that doesn't dominate.) I was wanting to read a dispassionate look at the war in its military aspects, and this book delivered, in my opinion. If you're looking for a brief introduction to the war, I highly recommend this book. The text is easy to follow, and there are many useful maps and photographs.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A clear, concise overview of the Vietnam War, March 22, 2005

By 

Gabriel - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Vietnam War 1956-1975 (Paperback)

This book is written in a clear style, with plenty of maps and pictures. It gives a concise overview of the Vitenam War in all of its major aspects. It doesn't limit itself to the war's military operations, but delves into the broader issues.

For example, the book examines the causes and development of the anti-war movement in the US and its relationship with the civil-rights movement. The book also surveys the consequences of the Vietnam War until the present, both in SE Asia and in the US.

This is a clear and concise book, and I highly recommend it. Being only 25 years old and not an American citizen, I had only a very sketchy knowledge of the Vietnam War. This book served as a very nice introduction.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 'Cliff's notes" version of history, July 3, 2006

By 

R. Bland - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Vietnam War 1956-1975 (Paperback)

This is a excellent concise history of the worse 'war' in the 20th century. It covers the transition of powers from various peoples such as Chinese, French, Japanese, and various factions of Vietnamese. For novice, this will get you up to speed and even comments on the current Iraq 'war'. Two chapters are personal commentaries from a veteran and a conscientious objector. The latter seem not to flow with the book and could be left for larger works.