Vietnam: An Epic History of a Tragic War

In his book "The Vietnam War," Max Hastings provides an epic narrative of the conflict, portraying the set pieces of Dienbienphu, the Tet offensive, and the air blitz of North Vietnam, as well as lesser-known battles such as Daido. He argues that the war was overwhelmingly the tragedy of the Vietnamese people, who paid a bitter price for the Northerners' victory in privation and oppression. The book blends a political and military narrative with heart-stopping personal experiences and suggests that neither side deserved to win.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 752 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

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

Vietnam emerged as the most contentious modern conflict in the Western world, resulting in a significant military defeat for France in 1954 and an even more profound one for the United States in 1975. Over the past three years, Max Hastings has conducted extensive interviews with numerous individuals on both sides, as well as extensively researched a wide range of American and Vietnamese documents and memoirs, to craft an epic account of this monumental struggle. He vividly depicts key moments such as the Battle of Dienbienphu, the Tet Offensive, the aerial bombardment of North Vietnam, and lesser-known battles like the horrific bloodbath at Daido, where a US Marine battalion nearly faced annihilation. Additionally, he presents remarkable recollections of the valiant warriors of Ho Chi Minh.

This book offers a poignant portrayal of the realities of conflict amidst the jungles and paddies, which claimed the lives of 2 million individuals. While many writers view the war as a tragedy solely inflicted upon the United States, Hastings presents a different perspective, emphasizing that the Vietnamese people bore the brunt of the suffering, with forty Vietnamese deaths for every American casualty. Both sides committed atrocities and blunders, with the communists engaging in countless acts of evisceration, beheading, and murder. The people of both former Vietnams paid a heavy price for the Northern victory, enduring privation and oppression.

This book presents a unique blend of a political and military narrative that encompasses the entirety of the conflict, coupled with heart-wrenching personal accounts. Testimonies from Vietcong guerrillas, Southern paratroopers, Saigon bargirls, and Hanoi students are interwoven with those of infantrymen from South Dakota, Marines from North Carolina, Huey pilots from Arkansas, and others. The narratives shed light on the diverse experiences and perspectives of those who lived through this turbulent period, providing a comprehensive and immersive understanding of the Vietnam War.

In conclusion, "His Masterpiece" by Antony Beevor is a remarkable work that offers a profound and nuanced exploration of the Vietnam War. Through extensive research and compelling interviews, Hastings presents a balanced and comprehensive account of this complex and divisive conflict. The book sheds light on the human cost of war, highlighting the suffering of both the Vietnamese and American people. It serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those who fought and witnessed this historic struggle.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 132 x 199 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008133016