1 / 3Vietnam by Max Hastings: Vietnam War history
Vietnam by Max Hastings combines a political and military history of the conflict with personal accounts from participants on both sides. Its 752-page length and focus on violent wartime experiences suit readers seeking a detailed narrative rather than a brief overview.
At a glance
- Covers the conflict through both political and military history alongside personal testimony.
- The listing describes accounts from Vietnamese participants and US servicemen, with attention to major engagements and less familiar battles.
- The narrative addresses experiences on both sides and the conflict's consequences for Vietnamese people.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines broad historical analysis with individual recollections, offering more than a campaign-by-campaign account.
- The listing presents testimony from a wide range of roles and communities, including soldiers, civilians, students and political figures.
- Customer feedback describes the writing as engaging and readable despite the difficult subject matter.
Cons
- At 752 pages, this is a substantial commitment for readers seeking a concise introduction.
- The subject matter includes accounts of severe violence and wartime atrocities.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | William Collins |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2 May 2019 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 752 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0008133018 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0008133016 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 4.8 x 19.8 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 294 g |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The publisher's description frames the account around the conflict's political and military dimensions as well as personal experiences. Its discussion includes graphic wartime violence, so it may not suit readers looking for a light or detached overview.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers wanting an in-depth history of the Vietnam conflict that combines political context, military events and personal testimony.
- Those interested in perspectives from both Vietnamese and American participants.
- Readers comfortable with a long book and difficult accounts of wartime violence.
Less suited to
- Anyone seeking a short introduction or a light treatment of the conflict.
- Readers who prefer to avoid detailed discussion of violence and atrocities.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
70% 70% - 4 stars
22% 22% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback highlights the book's gripping, informative account, research, analysis and readable writing. Many five-star ratings and a smaller share of lower ratings indicate broadly favourable aggregate responses, but ratings alone do not explain individual reservations. For readers considering a detailed and often harrowing history, the positive comments about readability may matter alongside the book's substantial length and violent subject matter.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the content as informative and the narrative as engaging and readable.
- Feedback praises the research and analysis.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of book is Vietnam by Max Hastings?
The listing describes it as a political and military history of the Vietnam conflict that also draws on personal testimony from people on both sides.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 752 pages, so it is better suited to readers prepared for a detailed account than to those seeking a short overview.
Does the book include personal accounts?
Yes. The description says it includes recollections and testimony from Vietnamese participants and US servicemen, among others.
Is the subject matter graphic?
The description discusses battlefield deaths, atrocities and other severe wartime violence. Consider this if you prefer less graphic historical writing.
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