SHWV/VWIP Recommended Reading List
The recommended reading list for the Indochina wars developed by the moderators of soc.history.war.vietnam primarily on the basis of an extensive survey of noted academics/authors in the field, veterans and members of the era's anti-war movement and we continue to make ongoing inquiries regarding new works. We have also attempted to make this list as diversified as possible, both in the range of topics and the viewpoints represented. Works of special note are marked *CORE*.
The reading list itself has been divided into two major section for ease on use. The first section of the reading list is an extensive selection of historical and social science analysis and non-fiction narratives, organized by topic or time period covered. The second section deals with cultural representations of the wars and their aftermath, including analysis and criticism, fiction, poetry, film and folklore.
We suggest that readers who are unfamiliar with Vietnamese culture and society read at least one of the core offerings in that area (such as Jamieson's Understanding Vietnam) to gain some prespective before tackling the history of the wars.
If you're interested in obtaining any of these books, we encourage you to click on the Amazon.com links next to each title. Doing so will give you an opportunity to purchase either a new or used copy of the book, and in doing so you will help support this website as we receive a small commission on each sale. there is one buyer beware warning: there is no guarantee that a book being offered for sale on Amazon (or any other online bookseller) is the same edition described in the reading list. Please be careful when making online purchases and be sure to read the seller's descriptions.
We recognize that this list has not been updated in several years, and debated the value of putting it up now versus doing an extensive update before putting it back online. We made the decision, for better or worse, that the list, even though it has not been updated, provides a significant value to the average visitor. In taking this approach, we believe we can also open up the book nomination and discussion process by taking advantage of this site's discussion forum.
You can discuss the merits (or lack of merits) of the books on this list by visiting our discussion forum and visiting the appropriate discussion thread. You can also suggest titles for this list by going to the respective section and visiting the stick thread there. Posting in the forum does require registration.
Table of Contents
Section One -- Historical and Social Science Analysis and Narrative
- General Works Page 1 || Page 2
- The French War: World War II to the Geneva Accords Page 1
- Geneva to the American Combat Involvement in Vietnam (1954 - 1965) Page 1
- Period of US Ground Combat (1965 - 1972) Page 1 || Page 2 || Page 3
- From the American Withdrawal to the Fall of the South (1972 - 1975) Page 1
- Covert Operations and Intelligence Page 1
- Laos and Cambodia Page 1
- Military Personal Narratives and Oral Histories Page 1 || Page 2
- Specialized Topics: The Press Page 1.
- Specialized Topics: The Draft Page 1.
- Specialized Topics: War Crime Allegations Page 1.
- Culture and Politics in Vietnam Page 1 || Page 2
- North Vietnam, the PAVN and the NLF Page 1.
- The Anti-War Movement in the US Page 1.
- Aftermath and Remembrance - Veterans Issues Page 1 || Page 2
- Aftermath and Remembrance - POW/MIAs Page 1.
- Aftermath and Remembrance - Refugees Page 1.
- Document Collections and Reference Works Page 1.
