The focus of this historical dictionary is the deepening US military and political involvement in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia during the decades from 1945 to 1975. . . . The style is clear and readable, and articles are accompanied by helpful references to books for further reading. . . . Selective rather than comprehensive, this work will be especially useful for students and general readers and is recommended for academic and public library reference collections. Choice This historical Dictionary of the Vietnam War is designed to provide a ready reference tool for students and scholars alike. Its major focus is the thirty years between 1945 and 1975; critically important individuals and events from earlier years are also discussed. The first volume to deal with this historically significant and controversial war, it includes brief descriptive essays on most of the people, legislation, military operations, and controversies important to an understanding of the American participation in the Vietnam War. References at the end of each entry provide guidance to sources of additional information. Five appendixes complete this carefully constructed study, each focusing on a topic of major relevance in understanding the subject, such as a description of the population of South Vietnam, the minority groups of South Vietnam, a glossary of slang expressions and acronyms, a selected bibliography of the Vietnam War, and a chronology.