The Vietnam War

September 1, 2017

Gr 8 Up-DK, in consultation with the Smithsonian Institution, delivers a hefty tome that provides a sweeping overview of the Vietnam War. Informational spreads containing color photographs take readers more or less chronologically through the saga of the war, from Indochina's precolonial history to the region's current situation. Most of the spreads focus on specific events or aspects of the war, such as "The Tonkin Gulf Incident" and "The African American Experience," while some feature biographies, eyewitness accounts, time lines, selections of artifacts and weaponry, and full-bleed images. The presentation of content, in particular, the clear and consistent subject headings and iconography, aids reader comprehension. Especially useful are the "before" and "after" panels accompanying each topic, which assist readers in connecting the topic at hand to previous and upcoming sections. The material is broad and inclusive and takes a critical approach to all parties involved, despite the book's self-proclaimed American lens. The layout, table of contents, index, and acknowledgements section citing sources for the hundreds of photographs make the volume easily navigable. There are a few factual errors, such as an incorrect statement of the scope of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. However, this is overall a solid resource. VERDICT Strongly recommended for young military enthusiasts, readers seeking to gain a broad understanding of the war, and those conducting research.-Darla Salva Cruz, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2017

The Smithsonian Institute and DK collaborate to tell the history of the Vietnam War (1955-75). Chronologically arranged chapters are supplemented with a time line of important events and maps charting the locations of major battles and bombings. The book provides brief biographies of the key figures of the war, including Communist revolutionary and Vietnam President Ho Chi Minh, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, and U.S. Gen. William Westmoreland. The work also contains hundreds of photographs from the Smithsonian's collection, many of which are iconic and powerful. The guide provides context and explains the factors that led up to the conflict, describing how the influence of the Soviet Union, the impact of French colonialism, and Japanese occupation during World War II led to revolution in Vietnam. The United States, on the other hand, emerging as a global superpower following World War II, felt compelled to keep Soviet power in check and to prevent the spread of communism around the world. This extremely thorough title explores a range of relevant subjects, including media coverage of the war, equipment and weapons, and the effect of the fighting on popular culture. VERDICT A terrific starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about the conflict.--Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.