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The Vietnam War

By: Geoffrey C. Ward, Ken Burns
Narrated by: Fred Sanders, Ken Burns, Brian Corrigan
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Publisher's Summary

From the award-winning historian and filmmakers of The Civil War, Baseball, The War, The Roosevelts, and others: a vivid, uniquely powerful history of the conflict that tore America apart - the companion volume to the major multipart PBS film to be aired in September 2017.

More than 40 years after it ended, the Vietnam War continues to haunt our country. We still argue over why we were there, whether we could have won, and who was right and wrong in their response to the conflict. When the war divided the country, it created deep political fault lines that continue to divide us today. Now, continuing in the tradition of their critically acclaimed collaborations, the authors draw on dozens and dozens of interviews in America and Vietnam to give us the perspectives of people involved at all levels of the war: US and Vietnamese soldiers and their families, high-level officials in America and Vietnam, antiwar protestors, POWs, and many more. The book plunges us into the chaos and intensity of combat, even as it explains the rationale that got us into Vietnam and kept us there for so many years. Rather than taking sides, the book seeks to understand why the war happened the way it did and to clarify its complicated legacy. Beautifully written, this is a tour de force that is certain to launch a new national conversation.

©2017 Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns (P)2017 Random House Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic Reviews

"Lucid, flowing, and dramatic...robustly detailed writing...eye-opening...powerful in its own right.... In their new 'intimate' yet capacious history, the award-winning, audience-enthralling duo of historian and screenwriter Ward and documentarian extraordinaire Burns investigate the complex, divisive, and tragic Vietnam War from a unique plurality of perspectives." (Donna Seaman, Booklist)

"The melancholy tone of Ken Burns's voice exactly suits the mood of this history of the Vietnam War... Burns adds no false drama but always reads with a tone of respect for the front-line combatants and the earnest opponents.... Overall, the audio does the print version full justice." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Vietnam War

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A lesson in History

I very much enjoyed listening to this book. I learnt a great deal about the war itself and the frailities ans selfishness of those in power. As an Australian I would have liked to hear a little of the role of Australians, Koreans and New Zealanders in the war - but that is only a minor criiticism. Thanks for producing this.

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Wow

Just wow... I don't know what else to say but need 15 words. listen to this

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Amazing

This book is amazing I hate Flanders I hate Flanders I hate Flanders I hate Flanders I hate Flanders

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Excellent history

Very well narrated- Highly recommended for people who want to understand a non biased history telling of the conflict

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Excellent

Gives an even view from both sides, it does not celebrate American firepower and mass murder like other titles do

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absolutely sensational

A brilliant production. Enlightening, insightful, confronting, disturbing and thoroughly thought provoking.
Asks, opens and explores many hard and difficult questions but let's the listener decide on the answers. The personal stories, recollections and reflections are priceless.
I was spellbound, listened to the whole book twice and will listen again. Simply brilliant.
For those interested in the Vietnam war and it's history this book is recommended.
To the authors... Very well done.

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Outstanding

Loved it from start to finish.
Exceptionally comprehensive, performed very well and presented in an unbiased manner. Highly recommend.

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Great book A+

I recommend this book to anyone seeking an overall understanding of the Vietnam war from the American & Vietnamese perspective. Written well with detailed accounts.

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I know so much more about the Vietnam War now

I came in as a beginner and left feeling I know a ton about the war. Detailed, well organised and fascinating

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