For those who are looking for a very well informed introduction to Viet
Nam--from its semi-mythical beginnings some 5,000 years ago all the way
up to the twenty-first century--this is the book. Covering politics and
war, society and economics, culture and relationships, it provides the
essential structure that both teachers and students will want to begin
their own explorations of this fascinating country. Woods successfully
captures the essential scope and complexity of Vietnamese history and
culture in substantive and accessible prose. The focus on the long
duration of the country and the ability for Viet Nam to maintain its own
identity in the midst of numerous foreign invasions and influences is
key among other relevant issues. Woods elegantly frames the relevance of
Viet Nam and this book will provide a foundation for teachers in
understanding issues of culture and change in a globally connected
world.