In Vietnam

by Denis J. Hauptly

Discusses the turbulent history of Vietnam from the Chinese invasion 2000 years ago through the United States' involvement during the 1960s.

Hardcover

Published October 1, 1985

Reviews

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a mediocre read at best.

[Boris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book during a flight from Houston to Reno. It was easy on the eyes of this weary traveler and it kept my attention which can be flighty (no pun intended). The overview of Vietnam's history as a people constantly at war was interesting. Reading it felt like I had a really good Wikipedia article in my hands. The information and it's depth was adequate and I didn't feel like I was drowning, worrying about all sorts of details to remember. It was concise. Some say it's like a good high school text and I would agree. That's not a bad thing. The commentary on the war and the social setting of America is an "old" story now but this book was written in 1985 when the wounds of the war were still very fresh and painful. Despite it's age, the text here in the book is just as relevant today as it was was back then - maybe even more so since it serves as a history lesson to younger generations who didn't live through that time. Politics, war, and soldiers are always a potent mix. It work when there is trust and honesty. Otherwise there are problems! I enjoyed reading this book and I would not hesitate to recommend this to others looking for a good text on the Vietnam war, especially if they happen to be traveling from Houston to Reno.

[Alan Lund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written from a US viewpoint but sympathetic to the Vietnam perspective the final conclusion that US meddling , as ever, came to no good, and that , unlike in the films, there were no good guys here, prevails. The futility of it all is evidenced by the tragedy of Hamburger Hill and the like where death and mutilation was voided by lack of territorial, strategic, political or morale gains.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for a simplified background on the various conflicts regarding Vietnam. Not overly in depth and written more on a highschool level. Good read though.