Description

In the summer of 1995, the United States and Vietnam normalized their political relations. In speaking of Hanoi, Secretary of State Warren Christopher proclaimed that "Vietnam is a country--not a war." His statement encapsulates a truth that is operative for most persons in both countries: Twenty years after the final military exit of the United States from Saigon, business people, tourists, veterans, students, and diplomats are returning to Ho Chi Minh City and other parts of the country in large numbers.

Vietnam Studies provides the interested researcher with background on this small but important country. A detailed introduction describes the cultural and societal background of native Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Americans. Chapters provide annotations classified in categories such as history, culture and art, language and literature, business and economics, contemporary Vietnam, the war with America, and POWs and MIAs. Additional sources for study are annotated in the final chapter of the book and provide listings of bibliographies, other reference materials, and photographs. Detailed author and subject indexes allow for easy research.