Narrative Non-fiction · Paperback

A Brief Introduction to the Vietnam War

Norwegian title: En kort introduksjon til Vietnamkrigen

Stein Tønnesson

A Brief Introduction to the Vietnam War offers a concise overview of the Indochina conflicts, spanning the French (1946–54) and American (1957–75) wars. It began as a southern rebellion, escalated into a US intervention involving Laos and Cambodia, and ended with a North Vietnamese victory in 1975.

Over two million people died. This prolonged conflict was simultaneously an anti-imperialist struggle, a civil war, a regional conflict, and a Cold War proxy battle.

The Vietnam War was also the first 'television war.' It left a deep mark on the media and stimulated solidarity movements worldwide between 1965 and 1975. Opposition to the war became a central part of the student and youth uprisings that gained momentum starting in 1968 – the aftershocks of which are still felt today.

“The book makes a powerful contribution to nuancing our understanding of the Vietnam War [...] deserves a wide readership, not only because the Vietnam War commands historical interest, but because the lessons of this war can offer us insight into ongoing wars in our time.”James Godbolt, Historikeren 2/2024

“He has managed to squeeze a great deal of substance into just over 220 pages. That is precisely what makes the book exceptionally interesting and well worth reading. [...] The book review genre requires that I conclude by finding some minor detail to criticize. I must demonstrate to the reader that I, too, know a thing or two about this war. However, I have not found a single weak spot where I could pry, and therefore I can conclude with nothing less than recommending the book most warmly. A brilliant book on a tragic subject.»Harald Høiback, Norsk Militært Tidsskrift 2/2024“A convincing use of sources, precise language, and sharp analysis ensure that history is brought into play in this way as living history. The battle for the truth, which is perhaps the book’s true theme, benefits from this approach.”Kjetil Vikene, Forskerforum 3/2024“The book grips and captivates (…) In the service of public education for both older and younger generations, the A Brief Introduction-series is decidedly a bullseye.”Jørn-Kr. Jørgensen, Bokstaver.no