The Last Valley, (Paperback)

from liehtzu

Heavy going; but you will know that if you tried to pick up the book. Highly intelligent and forensic; an absolute must for any student of the later, hip, American phase of the Vietnam war. The seeds of The US defeat were sown here had the Americans but realised. What price Afghanistan?

from iftyzaidi

A wonderfully well written account of the battle of Dien Bien Phu which resulted in a French defeat and their decision to pull out of Vietnam. This is solid military history, not a political history.

from rockinghorsedreams

A thorough, well written account of an under covered battle that had rippling effects through history. It is a very long, sometimes dry, read, but well worth it for any one interested.

from jztemple

Top notch military history. Comprehensively covers not only the military actions, but the political decision making that lead to the eventual defeat. Well supplied with maps and photos. A very serious book, not for the casual reader, but a real treat if you are willing to put in the time to enjoy...

from drmaf

Those who are fond of pointing to France's generally dismal military history since Napoleon will probably relish this book. However, Windrow's thesis is that it was French policy and strategy that failed in Indochina, not their fighting qualities. Certainly the French troops on the ground fought ...