Customer Comments

Larry Addington's book is a good choice for readers looking for a brief overview of the Vietnam War. A lot of other books cover the material in more depth, but this volume is quite useful in providing a general picture of the war. The basics of the politics and military aspects are here, as well as a consideration of background factors. Recommended as a place to start before tackling the bigger volumes, or as basic source for those who just need a book covering the broad outline of the war.

This is an important book. For readers who want to get behind the mind-numbing facts and figures of the tragedy in Rwanda, Philip Gourevitch puts a human face on the events. It is clearly written, with a straightforward style that is easy to follow. Be cautioned, though, this is horrifying material.

What a shame that more people don't consider this little book. It's true that it's an older title and that scholarship and writing conventions have progressed considerably since it was written. Still, Pirenne's distinctive take on the development of cities in medieval Europe has a lot to say to contemporary readers. It probably shouldn't be the only work you read on the topic if it interests you, but it should definitely be on your list.

This book is a classic. Although now an older title, Edelman's analysis of how symbols are used in politics is still the best place to start reading about the subject. This title, as well as his book Constructing the Political Spectacle, are great for serious readers and upper-level students. Perhaps more pertinent today than ever before.

This book looks at the war?s huge influence in movies, television and politics. It covers a lot of movies (The Deer Hunter, Missing in Action, Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Rambo, Forrest Gump, We Were Soldiers, etc.) and TV series (like Magnum P.I., China Beach, and M*A*S*H and even The A-Team). Other parts look at the Vietnam War's role in politics. It has sections on Iran-Contra, the Gulf War, the War in Iraq, and presidential politics right up to Bush vs. Kerry in '04. Some of the other topics are the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (the Wall), the POW-MIA issue, Vietnam Syndrome, etc. It has has photographs (from movies and politics), an index, bibliography end notes.