In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam
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Detalles del libro
- Número de páginas518 páginas
- IdiomaInglés
- EditorialVintage Books
- Fecha de publicación19 Marzo 1996
- Dimensiones5.2 x 1.24 x 7.98 pulgadas
- ISBN-100679767495
- ISBN-13978-0679767497
"Can anyone remember a public official with the courage to confess error and explain where he and his country went wrong? This is what Robert McNamara does in this brave, honest, honorable, and altogether compelling book."—Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.
Written twenty years after the end of the Vietnam War, former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's controversial memoir answers the lingering questions that surround this disastrous episode in American history.
With unprecedented candor and drawing on a wealth of newly declassified documents, McNamara reveals the fatal misassumptions behind our involvement in Vietnam. Keenly observed and dramatically written, In Retrospect possesses the urgency and poignancy that mark the very best histories—and the unsparing candor that is the trademark of the greatest personal memoirs.
Includes a preface written by McNamara for the paperback edition.
De Publishers Weekly
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Nota de la solapa
Contraportada
Biografía del autor
Extracto. © Reimpreso con autorización. Reservados todos los derechos.
This is the book I planned never to write.
Although pressed repeatedly for over a quarter of a century to add my views on Vietnam to the public record, I hesitated for fear that I might appear self-serving, defensive, or vindictive, which I wished to avoid at all costs. Perhaps I hesitated also because it is hard to face one's mistakes. But something changed my attitude and willingness to speak. I am responding not to a desire to get out my personal story but rather to a wish to put before the American people why their government and its leaders behaved as they did and what we may learn from that experience.
My associates in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations were an exceptional group: young, vigorous, intelligent, well-meaning, patriotic servants of the United States. How did this group—"the best and the brightest," as we eventually came to be known in an ironically pejorative phrase—get it wrong on Vietnam? That story has not yet been told.
But why now? Why after all these years of silence am I convinced I should speak? There are many reasons; the main one is that I have grown sick at heart witnessing the cynicism and even contempt with which so many people view our political institutions and leaders.
Many factors helped lead to this: Vietnam, Watergate, scandals, corruption. But I do not believe, on balance, that America's political leaders have been incompetent or insensitive to their responsibilities and to the welfare of the people who elected them and to whom they are accountable. Nor do I believe they have been any worse than their foreign counterparts or their colleagues in the private sector. Certainly they have shown themselves to be far from perfect, but people are far from perfect. They have made mistakes, but mostly honest mistakes.
This underscores my own painful quandary about discussing Vietnam. I know that, to this day, many political leaders and scholars in the United States and abroad argue that the Vietnam War actually helped contain the spread of Communism in South and East Asia. Some argue that it hastened the end of the Cold War. But I also know that the war caused terrible damage to America. No doubt exists in my mind about that. None. I want to look at Vietnam in hindsight, not in any way to obscure my own and others' errors of judgment and their egregious costs but to show the full range of pressures and the lack of knowledge that existed at the time.
I want to put Vietnam in context.
We of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations who participated in the decisions on Vietnam acted according to what we thought were the principles and traditions of this nation. We made our decisions in light of those values.
Yet we were wrong, terribly wrong. We owe it to future generations to explain why.
I truly believe that we made an error not of values and intentions but of judgment and capabilities. I say this warily, since I know that if my comments appear to justify or rationalize what I and others did, they will lack credibility and only increase people's cynicism. It is cynicism that makes Americans reluctant to support their leaders in the actions necessary to confront and solve our problems at home and abroad.
I want Americans to understand why we made the mistakes we did, and to learn from them. I hope to say, "Here is something we can take away from Vietnam that is constructive and applicable to the world of today and tomorrow." That is the only way our nation can ever hope to leave the past behind. The ancient Greek dramatist Aeschylus wrote, "The reward of suffering is experience." Let this be the lasting legacy of Vietnam.
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Información de producto
| Editorial | Vintage Books; First Edition (19 Marzo 1996) |
|---|---|
| Idioma | Inglés |
| Tapa blanda | 518 páginas |
| ISBN-10 | 0679767495 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0679767497 |
| Dimensiones | 5.2 x 1.24 x 7.98 pulgadas |
| Clasificación en los más vendidos de Amazon |
nº158,843 en Libros (Ver el Top 100 en Libros)
nº107 en Historia de Asia Sudoriental
nº942 en Biografías de Políticos (Libros)
|
| Opinión media de los clientes | 4.4 de 5 estrellas 375Opiniones |
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Inténtalo de nuevo más tarde.Opiniones destacadas de los Estados Unidos
- 5.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaA deeply insightful look into VietnamCalificado en Estados Unidos el 26 de julio de 2018Really great book that offers a unique vantage point from which to assess the Vietnam war. In typical McNamara style, it’s extremely technical, scholarly, and well referenced, and he doesn’t meander into much speculation in the least without having solid evidence to back... Ver másReally great book that offers a unique vantage point from which to assess the Vietnam war. In typical McNamara style, it’s extremely technical, scholarly, and well referenced, and he doesn’t meander into much speculation in the least without having solid evidence to back himself up. The lessons to be drawn from the book, both from an organisational/geopolitical/executive point of view, as well from an introspective and self reflecting point of view, cannot be understated. In my opinion, it’s truly admirable the extent to which he admits error in this book, and I’m sure it was not an easy journey to arrive at this point. Well worth the read for anyone with an interest on the subject
Really great book that offers a unique vantage point from which to assess the Vietnam war. In typical McNamara style, it’s extremely technical, scholarly, and well referenced, and he doesn’t meander into much speculation in the least without having solid evidence to back himself up. The lessons to be drawn from the book, both from an organisational/geopolitical/executive point of view, as well from an introspective and self reflecting point of view, cannot be understated. In my opinion, it’s truly admirable the extent to which he admits error in this book, and I’m sure it was not an easy journey to arrive at this point. Well worth the read for anyone with an interest on the subject
- 4.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaInteresting to hear what he has to sayCalificado en Estados Unidos el 6 de mayo de 2014I might agree with some of the critics of Mr. McNamara's confessional. Perhaps it is a bit too sanitary and proper, and perhaps he is letting himself off the hook a bit while seeming to offer contrition, I am not sure. Regardless,it is interesting to hear what such a... Ver másI might agree with some of the critics of Mr. McNamara's confessional. Perhaps it is a bit too sanitary and proper, and perhaps he is letting himself off the hook a bit while seeming to offer contrition, I am not sure. Regardless,it is interesting to hear what such a major figure in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations has to say after all these years. Information wise there was not much here that was not in the Pentagon Papers, which he, to his credit, commissioned, but perhaps the real story, is the insight into the mind and heart of a high level "good soldier", who took and gave difficult orders, that cost so many lives, and how the political entanglements of the time prevented proper decisions being made, or mistaken decisions from being corrected. Other books show different sides of this man that he presents, but this is still valuable and informative reading to those interested in trying to understand this era.
I might agree with some of the critics of Mr. McNamara's confessional. Perhaps it is a bit too sanitary and proper, and perhaps he is letting himself off the hook a bit while seeming to offer contrition, I am not sure. Regardless,it is interesting to hear what such a major figure in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations has to say after all these years. Information wise there was not much here that was not in the Pentagon Papers, which he, to his credit, commissioned, but perhaps the real story, is the insight into the mind and heart of a high level "good soldier", who took and gave difficult orders, that cost so many lives, and how the political entanglements of the time prevented proper decisions being made, or mistaken decisions from being corrected. Other books show different sides of this man that he presents, but this is still valuable and informative reading to those interested in trying to understand this era.
- 5.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaAn excellent read.Calificado en Estados Unidos el 1 de agosto de 2009I don't have any wordy review. I doubt I can add anything that hasn't been discussed already. I just wanted to submit my five stars to Amazon. But I do want to say that Bob McNamara reminds us that the majority of elected officials are men and women who dearly love... Ver másI don't have any wordy review. I doubt I can add anything that hasn't been discussed already. I just wanted to submit my five stars to Amazon. But I do want to say that Bob McNamara reminds us that the majority of elected officials are men and women who dearly love their country and act in accordance with that love. It is easy to agree upon a goal. It is much more difficult to agree upon the strategies to achieve that goal. Vietnam is a tragic example, made even more tragic by the fact that we so rarely learn from history.
I don't have any wordy review. I doubt I can add anything that hasn't been discussed already. I just wanted to submit my five stars to Amazon. But I do want to say that Bob McNamara reminds us that the majority of elected officials are men and women who dearly love their country and act in accordance with that love. It is easy to agree upon a goal. It is much more difficult to agree upon the strategies to achieve that goal. Vietnam is a tragic example, made even more tragic by the fact that we so rarely learn from history.
- 5.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaA thorough understanding of Mcnamara's feeling about Viet NamCalificado en Estados Unidos el 23 de enero de 2023It would appear McNamara did as thorough a review as his conscience would require and allow. However, I would suggest that before reading his (confession?), that in order to get a balanced evaluation, one should read possibly "Dereliction of Duty", by H.R.... Ver másIt would appear McNamara did as thorough a review as his conscience would require and allow. However, I would suggest that before reading his (confession?), that in order to get a balanced evaluation, one should read possibly "Dereliction of Duty", by H.R. McMaster.
There is another side!
It would appear McNamara did as thorough a review as his conscience would require and allow. However, I would suggest that before reading his (confession?), that in order to get a balanced evaluation, one should read possibly "Dereliction of Duty", by H.R. McMaster.
There is another side!
- 5.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaMcNamara - A failure of leadership.Calificado en Estados Unidos el 12 de abril de 2021Robert McNamara was a pivotal person at the creation of the worst blunder of our democracy - Vietnam. Even though he obviously downplays his culpability, nevertheless he factually reports on our involvement. There's a major lesson to be learned by our political leaders.... Ver másRobert McNamara was a pivotal person at the creation of the worst blunder of our democracy - Vietnam. Even though he obviously downplays his culpability, nevertheless he factually reports on our involvement. There's a major lesson to be learned by our political leaders. Only time will tell if we citizens are strong enough to enforce responsibility. If not, our democracy is in trouble.
Robert McNamara was a pivotal person at the creation of the worst blunder of our democracy - Vietnam. Even though he obviously downplays his culpability, nevertheless he factually reports on our involvement. There's a major lesson to be learned by our political leaders. Only time will tell if we citizens are strong enough to enforce responsibility. If not, our democracy is in trouble.
- 4.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaThe book is about how politics effect military operations.Calificado en Estados Unidos el 29 de diciembre de 2023Liked the way Macnamara tried to excuse his part in the Vietnam War.
Liked the way Macnamara tried to excuse his part in the Vietnam War.
- 3.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaMixed feelings about the authorCalificado en Estados Unidos el 4 de agosto de 2024McNamara’s memoir, obviously ghost written brings back unpleasant memories of the Washington bureaucracy that killed so many of my generation.
McNamara’s memoir, obviously ghost written brings back unpleasant memories of the Washington bureaucracy that killed so many of my generation.
- 5.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaInstantly captures the readerCalificado en Estados Unidos el 5 de julio de 2018Incredible insight to an extremely complex and trying period in our history. Not many politicians have had the courage to admit their mistakes, however long after the fact it may have come. The author had a greater goal and wrote the book for the betterment of our society.... Ver másIncredible insight to an extremely complex and trying period in our history. Not many politicians have had the courage to admit their mistakes, however long after the fact it may have come. The author had a greater goal and wrote the book for the betterment of our society. Fascinating, if not terribly scary, read.
Highly recommend.
Incredible insight to an extremely complex and trying period in our history. Not many politicians have had the courage to admit their mistakes, however long after the fact it may have come. The author had a greater goal and wrote the book for the betterment of our society. Fascinating, if not terribly scary, read.
Highly recommend.
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Harold5.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaTrès intéressantCalificado en Canadá el 28 de octubre de 2022Excellent livre. Compte-rendu détaillé et honnête de la part de Mr. McNamara.Excellent livre. Compte-rendu détaillé et honnête de la part de Mr. McNamara.
J. Berger5.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaMcNamara doesn't pull punchesCalificado en Alemania el 8 de noviembre de 2024He's not afraid to criticize himself for his mistakes. A rare book where a political figure doesn't try to make excuses and instead explains how he lost a war.He's not afraid to criticize himself for his mistakes. A rare book where a political figure doesn't try to make excuses and instead explains how he lost a war.
chinnu4.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaCasues of Vietnom warCalificado en India el 25 de abril de 2023Good and unbiased work of former Secretary of DefenceGood and unbiased work of former Secretary of Defence
RMF5.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaDebate without end-both the main text and the must read appendices.Calificado en Reino Unido el 18 de mayo de 2022After committing more than five hundred thousand Americans to the Vietnam war, McNamara very painfully and eloquently concludes that the war was unwinnable in military terms and that Americans needed to go home. But, history affords no do-overs and perhaps the military...Ver másAfter committing more than five hundred thousand Americans to the Vietnam war, McNamara very painfully and eloquently concludes that the war was unwinnable in military terms and that Americans needed to go home. But, history affords no do-overs and perhaps the military definition, the focus on Vietnam and 30 years’ perspective were too narrow and too soon a basis for a final judgement.After committing more than five hundred thousand Americans to the Vietnam war, McNamara very painfully and eloquently concludes that the war was unwinnable in military terms and that Americans needed to go home. But, history affords no do-overs and perhaps the military definition, the focus on Vietnam and 30 years’ perspective were too narrow and too soon a basis for a final judgement.
Aristotle4.0 de 5 estrellasCompra verificadaFascinating high-level insight into policy formulationCalificado en Reino Unido el 15 de agosto de 2024Frank revelations, from an experienced insider of three USA administrations, about the gradual involvement in a totally disastrous war from which America has still not recovered emotionally. The Vietnam War was a traumatic 'turning point' in American history. The...Ver másFrank revelations, from an experienced insider of three USA administrations, about the gradual involvement in a totally disastrous war from which America has still not recovered emotionally. The Vietnam War was a traumatic 'turning point' in American history. The realisation that the Americans were lied to continuously, by those whom they trusted to have their best interests at heart, became came so forcefully to the fore that many families carry the scars even to today. Folks still sit around and talk about Vietnam in the same way Brits used to talk about WWII. Vietnam brought a sharp and bloody reminder that the USA is not invincible, is not sinless; filled with almost overwhelming military might but weak in the face of implacable opposition and cool determination.Frank revelations, from an experienced insider of three USA administrations, about the gradual involvement in a totally disastrous war from which America has still not recovered emotionally. The Vietnam War was a traumatic 'turning point' in American history. The realisation that the Americans were lied to continuously, by those whom they trusted to have their best interests at heart, became came so forcefully to the fore that many families carry the scars even to today. Folks still sit around and talk about Vietnam in the same way Brits used to talk about WWII. Vietnam brought a sharp and bloody reminder that the USA is not invincible, is not sinless; filled with almost overwhelming military might but weak in the face of implacable opposition and cool determination.
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