For many Westerners, the name Vietnam evokes images of a bloody televised American war that generated a firestorm of protest and brought conflict into their living rooms. In his sweeping account, Ben Kiernan broadens this vision by narrating the rich history of the peoples who have inhabited the land now known as Viet Nam over the past three thousand years. Despite the tragedies of the American-Vietnamese conflict, Viet Nam has always been much more than a war. Its long history had been characterized by the frequent rise and fall of different political formations, from ancient chiefdoms to imperial provinces, from independent kingdoms to divided regions, civil wars, French colonies, and modern republics. In addition to dramatic political transformations, the region has been shaped by its environment, changing climate, and the critical importance of water, with rivers, deltas, and a long coastline facilitating agricultural patterns, trade, and communications. Kiernan weaves together the many narrative strands of Viet Nam's multi-ethnic populations, including the Chams, Khmers, and Vietnamese, and its multi-religious heritage, from local spirit cults to Buddhism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. He emphasizes the peoples' interactions over the millennia with foreigners, particularly their neighbors in China and Southeast Asia, in engagements ranging from military conflict to linguistic and cultural influences. He sets the tumultuous modern period--marked by French and Japanese occupation, anticolonial nationalism, the American-Vietnamese war, and communist victory--against the continuities evident in the deeper history of the people's relationships with the lands where they have lived. In contemporary times, he explores this one-party state's transformation into a global trading nation, the country's tense diplomatic relationship with China and developing partnership with the United States in maintaining Southeast Asia's regional security,and its uncertain prospects for democracy.Written by a leading scholar of Southeast Asia, Viet Nam presents an authoritative history of an ancient land.
Details e-book Viet Nam: A History from Earliest Times to the Present
🗸 Author(s): Ben Kiernan
🗸 Title: Viet Nam: A History from Earliest Times to the Present
🗸 Rating : 4.7 from 5 stars (106 reviews)
🗸 ISBN-10: 0190053798
🗸 ISBN-13: 9780190053796
🗸 Languange: English
🗸 Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
🗸 Supported Devices: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
✓ Read as many eBooks you want!
✓ Secure Scanned. No Virus Detected
✓ Thousands of eBooks to choose from - Hottest new releases
✓ Click it and Read it! - no waiting to read eBooks, it's instant!
✓ Keep reading your favorite eBooks over and over!
✓ It works anywhere in the world!
✓ No late fees or fixed contracts - cancel anytime!
Readers' opinions about Viet Nam: A History from Earliest Times to the Present by Ben Kiernan
![/](https://i2.wp.com/shortlinks.top/img/f7.png)
Bently Miller
This thought-provoking work of non-fiction explores the mysteries of the human mind, delving into the complexities of consciousness and perception. Drawing on the latest scientific research, the author sheds light on the inner workings of the brain, offering fascinating insights into what makes us who we are. Engaging and accessible, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the workings of the human mind.
![/](https://i2.wp.com/shortlinks.top/img/f11.png)
Haileigh Campbell
Delve into the pages of this thought-provoking philosophical treatise, where the author grapples with some of life's most profound questions. From the nature of existence to the meaning of morality, each chapter offers a fresh perspective on the human condition. With its rigorous logic and elegant prose, this book is sure to spark lively debate and introspection.
![/](https://i2.wp.com/shortlinks.top/img/f16.png)
Bluebell Whittaker
Dive into a world of magic and mystery with this enchanting fantasy novel, where mythical creatures and ancient prophecies collide in an epic battle for survival. As darkness descends upon the land, a young hero must rise to fulfill his destiny and save the kingdom from destruction. With its richly imagined world and compelling characters, this book is sure to transport readers to a realm of wonder and adventure.