Complemented by more than 50 illustrations, this volume offers a panoramic view of Vietnam and its people. Its recounting of the story of Vietnam begins more than two thousand years ago, and progresses onward to the twenty-first century. Examining the major political, military, and social developments that have shaped Vietnam, it represents the perfect introduction to this vital country. Tragic and heroic-these two words capture the essence of Vietnam's history. These terms are consciously placed in sequence because no matter what difficulties Vietnam faces, there is a triumph in its people that transcends immediate troubles. The Vietnamese, a people historically dominated at various points by imperialist nations including China, Japan, France, and the United States, have never lost their identity. That alone is a remarkable feat, and a testament to the rich and deep culture that pervades Vietnamese society.