Arranged chronologically and in counterpoint, this unique book samples all conceivable forms of oral and written documentation to illuminate the United States' involvement in its longest and most divisive war. The attitudes and experiences of foot soldiers and generals, hawks and doves, politicians and protesters, writers, spies, and pilots are graphically revealed in news releases, excerpts from fiction, poems, graffiti, speeches, intelligence reports, personal diaries, songs, official memos, and more. All viewpoints are included: American, French, British, Cambodian, Thai, Lao, and South and North Vietnamese.

John Clark Pratt—teacher, writer, and veteran of the Southeast Asian conflict—has compiled this book so that any reader can comprehend the Vietnam War and perhaps for the first time move from prejudice and confusion to acceptance and understanding.