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Vietnam

An Epic History of a Tragic War
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( 6,639 ratings, 641 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Vietnam by Max Hastings provides a detailed narrative of the Vietnam War, focusing on both political and military aspects from different perspectives. It delves into the experiences of soldiers, politicians, and civilians, offering a comprehensive look at the complexities and impact of the conflict.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate detailed historical narratives and want a comprehensive understanding of the Vietnam War from multiple perspectives, including American, Vietnamese, and French viewpoints. Max Hastings' in-depth research and storytelling bring to life the complexities and human experiences of this conflict.

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Vietnam

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER ‘His masterpiece’ Antony Beevor, Spectator ‘A masterful performance’ Sunday Times ‘By far the best book on the Vietnam War’ Gerald Degroot, The Times, Book of the Year

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Vietnam by Max Hastings is an unparalleled exploration of the Vietnam War, providing a gripping and comprehensive account of this turbulent period. Drawing on three years of meticulous research and interviews with individuals from all sides of the conflict, Hastings offers an epic narrative that vividly brings to life the ground-breaking events and personal experiences of those who lived through the war. From the devastating siege of Dienbienphu to the unrelenting air assaults on North Vietnam, and from well-known battles like the Tet Offensive to the harrowing lesser-known engagements such as the bloodbath at Daido, Hastings captures the brutal realities of combat that claimed the lives of 2 million people. Spanning over two decades of conflict, Hastings paints a poignant picture of the wars that marked the Western world, first humbling France in 1954, and subsequently dealing a much heavier blow to the United States by 1975. He highlights the experiences of Ho Chi Minh’s warriors, providing extraordinary recounts of their struggles and triumphs. Hastings' portrayal extends beyond just the military confrontations, delving into the profound human cost and the immense suffering inflicted on both combatants and civilians. Max Hastings goes beyond the traditional perspective that views the Vietnam War primarily as a U.S. tragedy. He adeptly underscores the colossal impact on the Vietnamese people, who bore the brunt of the violence with forty Vietnamese deaths for every American casualty. His narrative doesn't shy away from the brutalities on both sides – while U.S. blunders and atrocities have been widely publicised, Hastings also brings to light the countless eviscerations, beheadings, and murders perpetrated by communist forces. The victory of the Northern forces came at a grave cost for both North and South Vietnam, resulting in significant privation and oppression. Through firsthand testimonies from a diverse array of individuals, including Vietcong guerrillas, Southern paratroopers, Saigon bargirls, Hanoi students, and American infantrymen, Marines, and pilots, Hastings crafts an extraordinarily human account of the war. Vietnam not only blends an intricate political and military narrative but also interweaves heart-stopping personal experiences, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the conflict. Max Hastings employs testimonies from a wide spectrum of people, ranging from warlords and peasants to statesmen and soldiers, to construct a profound and dynamic record. Max Hastings posits that neither side was deserving of victory in this protracted and devastating war, offering crucial insights pertinent to the 21st century about the misuse of military power in addressing complex political and cultural issues. With a narrative that is both compassionate and unflinching, Vietnam stands out as a masterful and imperative volume for understanding one of the most divisive and catastrophic wars of modern history.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Vietnam by Max Hastings is hailed as a masterful work that combines meticulous research with an immersive narrative. Reviewers praise its balanced and objective account of the Vietnam War, emphasising the compelling and clear descriptions of military strategy and the harsh realities faced by soldiers. The book is recognised for its gripping storytelling and thorough understanding, making it accessible to both newcomers and experts alike.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008133016

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 May 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: William Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 48.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 580g

Pages: 752

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About the Author

Max Hastings is the author of twenty-six books, most about conflict, and between 1986 and 2002 served as editor-in-chief of the Daily Telegraph, then editor of the Evening Standard. He has won many prizes both for journalism and his books, of which the most recent are All Hell Let Loose, Catastrophe and The Secret War, best-sellers translated around the world. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, an Honorary Fellow of King’s College, London and was knighted in 2002. He has two grown-up children, Charlotte and Harry, and lives with his wife Penny in West Berkshire, where they garden enthusiastically.

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