Examines American involvement in the Vietnam War, delves into the decisionmaking process in Washington and Asia, and presents interviews with participants on both sides.

Published in conjunction with a proposed 1983 PBS program: Vietnam, a television history. Published in conjunction with a 1983 PBS program: Vietnam, a television history. Includes index.

The war nobody won -- Piety and power -- The heritage of Vietnamese nationalism -- The war with the French -- The light that failed -- America's mandarin -- Vietnam is the place -- The end of diem -- The commitments deepen -- Disorder and decision -- LBJ goes to war -- Escalation -- Debate, diplomacy, doubt -- Tet -- Nixon's war -- The peace that never was.