Land of the Ascending Dragon: Rediscovering Vietnam (Paperback)

~ Paul Martin (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Offering a vivid and informative look at the new Vietnam - at peace and emerging in economic freedoms reshaping this society" -- Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. (Ret.)

"The reader encounters a rich historical tapestry, scenic beauty, architecture, art,religion, festivals, and the friendly, outgoing Vietnamese people too." -- Richard Busch, Editor, National Geographic Traveler

"This book gives important insights into this farway land. The photos bring the old Vietnam together with today's Vietnam." -- Jan Scruggs, President, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Product Description

This book is dedicated to all those who shared in the Vietnam War experience, especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in that conflict. It's our hope that this volume will open gates that have been too long closed, and offer a bridge to better understanding and goodwill between Americans and Vietnamese.

For right or wrong, some three million Americans went off to serve in Vietnam; 58,000 of them were killed and another 153,000 were injured or crippled by bullets, shrapnel, or disease. But there were no parades for those who came home. Instead, they were rejected, pushed under the rug along with the unpopular and divisive war they served in. Vietname veterans became bitter, angry, truly the lost Americans.

This book is about letting go of the past, see Vietnam as it really is today - as a country, not a conflict.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Hastings House (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803893965
• ISBN-13: 978-0803893962
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,395,857 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Vietnam is not just another name for war, July 28, 1998

By A Customer

The authors do an excellent job of transposing the "American Image" of Vietnam into the beautiful and complex country that it really is. It draws from that "American Image" rooted in the drama of the war years, and gradually leads us to a clearer understanding of just what the country is today (and what it was before the intensity of the U.S. involvement)and where it may go in the future. It is encouraging, and very hopeful, to see the country and its people re-anchored in their traditional values--in spite of the current relic of communism--and to appreciate the renewed emphasis on education, family, business, and integration into the world economy. Clearly, it has been a long hard row to hoe, but it is moving in the right direction. Jack Smith's introduction lays this out, and it is reenforced by the text and Mr. Raymer's revealing photographs. The result is a far better sense of place and people.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Work., January 6, 2002

By	alainviet "alainviet" (Indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews

The author provides us with beautiful photographs of Vietnam, a thousand year old country. Pictures of mountains, seas, paddy fields, towns and villages alternated with those of children afflicted with war induced deformities and a veteran amputee receving treatment. What makes the book interesting is the juxtaposition of black photographs of the war and colored images of the present.

For the past is interwined with the present. The horrors of the war have left indelible marks on the people and country alike as Raymer has shown us in his book.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A five-star effort by all three guys!, July 21, 1998

By A Customer

Jack Smith's introduction says it all -- Vietnam is a beautiful, peaceful land that is going places. Doing this book brought back a lot of memories and was a tonic for the soul. Enjoy it!