A SOLDIER REPORTS

by Gen William Westmorland, USA (Ret)

This is Gen Westmoreland’s account of what the Vietnam War looked like from his position as commander. These are very interesting contrasts with the other books in this section.

ON STRATEGY: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE VIETNAM WAR

by Col Harry G. Summers, USA

Col Summers provides a thought-provoking analysis of the Vietnam War based on the Clausewitzian principles of war. His work is particularly applicable considering current events.

VIETNAM: A HISTORY

by Stanley Karnow

THE TEN THOUSAND DAY WAR

by Michael Maclear

Both this and Vietnam: A History are carefully written accounts of the conflict in Vietnam from the 1940s to the 1970s. Good background information is provided for continued study on Vietnam.

OUR VIETNAM NIGHTMARE

by Marguerite Higgins

Written in 1965, Higgins’ account covers the period from mid-1963 to mid-1965. Her account of the “popular” revolution against the Diem regime stands in stark conflict to the generally accepted version told in the two previous books. This work should be read for its crisp observations undiluted by the turmoil of the following years.

OUR ENDLESS WAR

by General Tran Van Don

This is a fascinating insider’s account of the American period of the Vietnam War by a Vietnamese general who was close to the center of power from the very beginning.