I’d like to read a 200-500 page book on the Vietnam War this winter and have no real idea where to start. I’m open to reading a book from any perspective, although in addition to a recommendation I’d like to hear why you think your book is the best one to read. I have pretty much no background in this part of American history, although I do have a Master’s so I can handle heavy reading.
It depends on what you are looking for.
If you want a very good overview of the war, what drove the US into it, the role of the media etc The Vietnam War by Mitchell Hall is a good way to get started. Paperback edition is available, very good value for money and easy to read.
A good insight in the US operations in Vietnam is given by War Without Fronts: The USA in Vietnam by Bernd Greiner. This is more military-history oriented but a very good book nonetheless.
Finally Vietnam: A History by Stanley Karnow is an excellent book, well written and comprehensive, it gives a nice background of the peoples of Vietnam, the French occupation and defeat etc.
OK thanks for the recommendations.
I read Vietnam: A History by Stanley Karnow. I have notes in the margins throughout the book regarding the parallels to the run up and conduct of the 2nd Iraq war (the one we’re in now). It is amazing how, when it comes to the politics of empire building, nothing really changes.