Motoring & LeisureBook & Audiobook Reviews'The Vietnam War Experience' by Gerry and Janet Souter 'The Vietnam War Experience' by Gerry and Janet Souter
By Brian Davies - 06/01/2008
'The Vietnam War Experience' examines the history and politics of the Vietnam War, beginning with the end of the Japanese Occupation in 1945 until its conclusion and aftermath following the fall of Saigon in 1975. As one may expect from a book dedicated to Vietnamese combat photographers, it is lavishly illustrated with several images on each page.
The Vietnam War Experience seeks to bring the war to life by incorporating many removable reproductions of actual documents of the period, including maps, posters, booklets and examples of currency in use by the Vietnamese. For example, facsimiles of the 1946 letter from Ho Chi Minh to President Truman asking for U.S. support, the C.I.A. report on the attempted assassination of President Diem and President Nixon’s resignation.
There is also an audio CD featuring first-hand accounts from Vietnam veterans, along with a separate glossary of US military slang and phrases to help with comprehension.
While some readers may find the enclosures little more than a gimmick and a tad intrusive, others are likely to find that they provide an interesting extra dimension. Undoubtedly, the documents are fascinating, but whether they add more to the “experience” than simple illustrations is ultimately for the reader to decide.
Although one should not expect a fully comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the complex causes and conducts of the war in just 64 (albeit quite large) pages, the book more than adequately serves as a good introduction to the conflict, with each section well set out and clearly written.
The Vietnam Experience is one of a series, covering a number of wars and battles, including D Day, of which some readers may well have personal memories, and the American Civil War (I doubt that even our readership can personally remember that one!). It also covers famous personalities and events, including a volume on Coronation Street.
The book is published by Carlton Books, priced at £35.00 Further information can be obtained by contacting Carlton Publishing Group by following the link below.