Pulitzer-winning historian Halberstam first decided to write this book more than thirty years ago and it took him nearly ten years. It stands as a lasting testament to its author, and to the fighting men whose heroism it chronicles. Halberstam gives us a full narrative of the political decisions and miscalculations on both sides, charting the disastrous path that led to the massive entry of Chinese forces near the Yalu, and that caught Douglas MacArthur and his soldiers by surprise. He provides vivid portraits of all the major figures--Eisenhower, Truman, Acheson, Kim, and Mao, and Generals MacArthur, Almond, and Ridgway. He also provides us with his trademark narrative journalism, chronicling the crucial battles with reportage of the highest order. At the heart of the book are the stories of the soldiers on the front lines who were left to deal with the consequences of the dangerous misjudgments and competing agendas of powerful men.--From publisher description.

Includes maps of: Korean Peninsula Before Hostilities, May 1950; First Encounter with Chines Communist Forces, November 1, 1950; Unsan Engagement, November 1-2, 1950; North Korean Invasion, June 25-28, 1950; Task Force Smith, July 5, 1950; Height of North Korean Advance, Late August 1950; Pusan Perimeter, August 4, 1950; Naktong Bulge, August 31-September 1, 1950; Inchon Landings, September 15, 1950; Drive to Seoul, September 16-28, 1950; UN Breakout and Invasion of North Korea; Chinese Attack at Chongchon River, on Second Division, November 25-26, 1950; Chinese Assault on Love Company, November 25-26, 1950; Marine sector, October-November 27, 1950; Gauntlet, November 30, 1950; Breakout from Chosin Reservoir, November 27-December 9, 1950; High Tide of the Chinese Advance, January 1951; Fight for the Central Corridor; Twin Tunnels-Chipyongni-Wonju Area, January-February 1951; Battle of Twin Tunnels, January 31-February 1, 1951; Battle of Chipyongni, February 13-14, 1951; McGee Hill, February 13-15, 1951; Task Force Crombez, February 14-15, 1951; Korean Peninsula after the Cease-fire, July 27, 1953. Some copies are Hyperion hardback, xi, 719 pages, maps, 25 cm. Copy 3 donated by John M. McCaffrey (See Bookplate).

Glossary of military terms -- List of maps -- Note on military map symbols -- A warning at Unsan -- Bleak days: The In Min Gun drives south -- Washington goes to war -- The politics of two continents -- The last roll of the dice: the North Koreans push to Pusan -- MacArthur turns the tide: the Inchon landing -- Crossing the parallel and heading north -- The Chinese strike -- Learning to fight the Chinese: twin tunnels, Wonju, and Chipyongni -- The general and the president -- The consequences.