From Library Journal
In his introduction, Appy (history, MIT) states, "Vietnam is not... merely a memory; it is a fundamental part of our history and, therefore, a fundamental part of what we are." What follows is an in-depth look at the "part of what we are" that is literally the living legacy of the war--the Vietnam veteran. The author has compellingly combined his experiences from interviews, participation in weekly veterans' "rap" groups, and examination of existing Vietnam-era literature to present two narratives. First, he examines the circumstances that created a fighting force in Vietnam made up predominantly of working-class young men. He then vividly presents readers with what participants of the war endured by synthesizing accounts of veterans with illustrative excerpts from novels, nonfiction works, and films concerning the war. Appy's achievement is conveying to readers insight into the war experience of Vietnam veterans. Highly recommended for all libraries.
- Robert Favini, Bentley Coll. Lib., Waltham, Mass.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
- Robert Favini, Bentley Coll. Lib., Waltham, Mass.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
Ingram
Working Class War explores the experiences and attitudes of the 2.5 million American enlisted men who served in Vietnam, painting a compelling portrait of the war as it was lived by the troops who fought it. While race and region were prominent factors, class was the most important element in determining who fought and died in Vietnam, as 80 percent of the enlisted men came from the poor or working class.
