The Vietnam War: Handbook of the Literature and Research [Hardcover]

James S. Olson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0313274223 | ISBN-13: 978-0313274220

This is a scholarly assessment of broad-ranging research on the Vietnam War over the last seventeen years by the editor of the prize-winning Dictionary of the Vietnam War. James Olson and his contributors offer fascinating insights as they evaluate the significant literature, films, and TV programs, offering different perspectives on the historical background; strategy and conduct of the war; the perspectives of Americans, the Indochinese, women, minorities, and veterans; the impact of the war on the homefront; and major problems and issues in the aftermath of the war. This one-volume major reference covers all genres of literature, primary and secondary sources, personal narratives and oral histories, fiction and non-fiction, popular accounts, expert studies of military strategy and operations, Indochinese studies, books about the involvement and role of women and blacks, and discussions about Indochinese refugees, prisoners of war, those missing in action, veterans and post-traumatic shock. Films, TV programs, comic books and studies pointing to the effect of the war on the homefront and on others make up an important part of the book. A full index makes the volume easily accessible to students, scholars, and professionals in military studies, American and world history, American studies and popular culture, political science and international relations--an important acquisition for libraries of all kind.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Olson, a professor of history at Houston State University and editor of the Dictionary of the Vietnam War ( LJ 3/1/88), here joins with 14 contributing authors to offer an excellent, comprehensive examination of the literature of the Vietnam War. The work skillfully surveys the conflict's military, political, social, and cultural aspects as covered in scholarly and popular books, fiction, film, television, comic books, and other sources produced during and after the war. Particular strengths are the discussion of Indochinese history, the experiences of American minority groups, and the inclusion of materials published as recently as 1992. Weak points are few: inconsistent critical analysis of the covered materials and an uneven writing style owing to the number of contributors. Still, these flaws do not detract from the work's importance as a solid introduction to Vietnam War studies as well as a collection development tool for librarians. Recommended for all academic libraries and middle to large public libraries.
- Stephen L. Hupp, Capital Univ. Lib., Columbus, Ohio
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“...this volume should be in all libraries that have any Vietnam collection at all.”–Choice

“Olson . . . offers, along with 14 contributing authors, an excellent, comprehensive examination of the literature on the Vietnam War. The work skillfully covers the conflict's military, political, social, and cultural aspects as covered in scholarly books and popular books, fiction, film, television, comic books, and other sources produced during and after the war. Particular strengths are discussions of Indochinese history, the experiences of American minority groups, and inclusion of materials published as recently as 1992. . . . [A] solid introduction to Vietnam War studies as well as a collection development tool for librarians. Recommended for all academic libraries and middle to large public libraries.”–Library Journal

“...an excellent work... This book on the literature of and research on the Vietnamese Conflict is superior to any I have seen on the subject....a must for all libraries.”–Popular Culture in Libraries

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 536 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (April 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313274223
• ISBN-13: 978-0313274220
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,165,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)