A concise, information-packed background of the history and culture of Vietnam, including the country’s relations with the United States.

Comprehensive and authoritative, this book accurately describes this fascinating country. The author begins with a description of the geographical features of the country and the various tribes and people that inhabit it, then reviews the various religions, the educational system, and customs that have played and continue to play determinative roles in the lives of the Vietnamese. The French colonial period and its influence on the religion and educational system of the country are covered as well as such fascinating sidelights as eating habits, society, and hair styles.

A separate chapter covers arts of this part of Asia. These include the theater as well as painting, architecture, sculpture, music, and literature. Some Vietnamese legends are retold in the final chapter.

Visitors to this country will be especially interested in the sections on language, customs, festivals, holidays, and recreation, not to mention places to visit.

Miss Hau Dinh Cam, a Vietnamese artist, has given added life to many pages with her drawings of the people in scenes of daily life.