The Vietnam War: A Personal History

From the acclaimed historian and filmmakers behind award-winning projects such as The Civil War, Baseball, The War, and The Roosevelts, comes a powerful and vividly detailed account of the Vietnam War — a conflict that profoundly divided the United States. This work serves as a companion volume to a major PBS documentary series set to premiere in September 2017.

More than four decades have passed since the Vietnam War, yet its shadows continue to loom large over American society. Debates persist regarding our reasons for involvement, whether victory was achievable, and the moral standings of various participants in the conflict. The war left the nation fractured, establishing enduring political divides that are still evident today.

In the same spirit of their highly praised collaborative works, the authors utilize a wealth of interviews from both American and Vietnamese voices. They present insights from individuals deeply affected by the war, including US and Vietnamese soldiers, their families, high-ranking officials from both nations, antiwar activists, and former prisoners of war. This diverse range of perspectives enriches our understanding of the Vietnam conflict.

The narrative immerses readers in the chaos and intensity of battle, while also unpacking the motivations that led the United States into Vietnam and prolonged its involvement for years. Rather than adopting a biased viewpoint, the book aims to dissect the complexities of the conflict, fostering a clearer comprehension of its profound and multifaceted legacy.

Beautifully written and meticulously researched, this work stands as a significant contribution to historical scholarship. It promises to ignite a renewed national dialogue about the Vietnam War and its lasting impacts on American society. Through its comprehensive examination of the events and experiences surrounding the conflict, readers are encouraged to reflect on what transpired and why, paving the way for a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in our history.

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