Vietnam

A History

By: Stanley Karnow

Narrated by: Edward Holland

Length: 27 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

In this comprehensive history, Stanley Karnow demystifies the tragic ordeal of America's war in Vietnam. The book's central theme is that America's leaders, prompted as much by domestic politics as by global ambitions, carried the United States into Southeast Asia with little regard for the realities of the region. Karnow elucidates the decision-making process in Washington and Asia, and recounts the political and military events that occurred after the Americans arrived in Vietnam. Throughout, he focuses on people: those who shaped strategy and those who suffered, died, or survived as a result.

Panoramic in scope, and filled with fresh revelations drawn from secret documents and from exclusive interviews with hundreds of participants on both sides, Vietnam: A History transcends the past and contains lessons relevant to the present and future.

©1997 WBGH Educational Foundation and Stanley Karnow (P)1998 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"This is history writing at its best." (Chicago Sun Times)
"[T]he best journalist writing on Asian affairs." (Newsweek)
"Even those of us who think we know something about [the Vietnam War] will read with fascination." (New York Times)

A good history of the war and times.

Solid coverage of the war. Appropriately heavy on the politics. I enjoyed it a lot.

Expected More

I have read a great deal about the Vietnam War - and lived through it. So, I always wanted to read this book. I am sad to say that the book falls short of its reputation. So mch of it is official issue and even worse, there is hardly any historical context. Try the book by Neil Sheehan.

Complete history

The cover art is miss leading. If you think this book is about just the US war in Vietnam, this is not the book for you. That being said I was miss lead but was presently surprised by the authors commitment to detail regarding the history of pre US involvement and post. It did set the stage for a compelling story. Very politics heavy, but a good long listen.

Good but not Great

What did you love best about Vietnam?

It was well researched.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A little depressing, given the inevitable end.

What about Edward Holland’s performance did you like?

He was pretty good. I especially liked his Richard Nixon impersonation. His voices tend to be subtle, which helps keep it an objective reading and not an attempt at dramatization.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The plight of the civilians.

Any additional comments?

Karnow isn't objective, but neither is he biased one way or another. It's as if he thinks everyone involved, left, right, communist, democrat, republican... they all deserve excoriation. And he's probably right.

The one thing about the book that can be confusing is that he tends to follow a timeline of one aspect of the war far enough that when he goes back it's kind of hard to remember where you were anchored.

I'll probably listen to it again, though.

A history memorable

It's amazing history; I can't forget all that I've read about Vietnam war.
Awesome narration by Mr. Holland.
I recommended this audiobook

History writing in its best

The story and narration are excellent. l have kept listening no stop for hours. It really is French and American history in Vietnam. The coverage on the Vietnamese side is much weaker. But overall, an excellent book. I think I will come back to listen again

Gripping book

Utterly compelling history of a tragic era
I will read more on the subject . Great job

Incredible depth and breadth

Not exclusively chronological; be warned. Narrator makes some pronunciation errors, but overall there's quality throughout.

One of the best books about Vietnam

If you could only read 1 book about Vietnam this is the book to read (or listen to).
I feel that Stanley Karnow is unbiased and s good writer which immerses the reader in the story/history.
The fact that he brings up his own interviews with historical figures (and many others) like Vo Nguyen Giap is an added bonus. The book is fairly lengthy but contains all the details the reader needs to understand the complex situation.
The author also writes of how Vietnam came under French control by starting that part of the story in the late 1700s.

The narrator is also very good. I can recall one brief scene where Ngo Dinh Diem meets Ho Chi Minh and the author reads that scene as if he were reading a conversation from a novel. I thought that was a nice detail.

Overall, fantastic book. A must read for history enthusiasts.

Comprehensive and honest

I really enjoyed this book. It appeared to be a pretty objective account, politically and militarily - at least as objective as such a polarizing subject as the Vietnam War can be. It's a tragic happening in modern history which occasionally still ignites tempers. It ended 40 years ago, and so little is taught about a subject from which so many important lessons can be learned. The numerous intricacies are laid out very well through the eyes and experiences of a man assigned to cover the conflicts from its earlier origins in the 50s (or before). Karnow is also careful to give a detailed description of Vietnam's very early history, as having this background is important to the reader's understanding of the psychology underlying the population of the region. Really, if the policy makers throughout the conflict were more aware of the history and mindset, it's possible things might have played out differently. It was a fantastic listen. I purchased a hard copy of the book as well.