Written in the late 1970s, America in Vietnam is a positive account of a controversial war that the author believes was a worthy cause. Among Lewy's arguments is that the accusations of atrocities by American troops were greatly exaggerated. It might be worth reading for someone who wants to study the historiography of the Vietnam War, but it is a dated account. There is so much more available primary material now. ( )

3816. America in Vietnam, by Guenter Lewy (read 22 Oct 2203) This is a 1978 book, full of good discussion of issues much talked of while the war was going on. Many of the points he makes are persuasive. He effectively demolishes some of the extreme antiwar positions, and I remain convinced that we got into Vietnam for seemingly good reasons, it was hard to get out, and LBJ is entitled to credit that the war did not turn into a war with China. Particularly the latter chapters of the book were highly interesting. I should have read it 20 years ago. ( )