Southeast Books

It can be argued that, as a nation, America rushed to forget about the experience in Vietnam. As a result, many heroic acts often went unsung. John Burnam's moving book takes the reader back to a difficult time in our history to share the unique stories of a special group of heroes-- the Vietnam dog handlers and their canine partners. Burnam's conversational accounts of incredible war time situations is both eye-opening and hair-raising. Sadly, the reader also learns the chilling truth about how our government and military callously forgot the dogs of Vietnam. Their handlers, however, never forgot. Soldiers like Ron Aiello(US Marine Corps Scout-dog handler) never forgot how the dogs often saved soldier's lives. (You can read how Aiello's own life was saved by his female German shepherd partner, Smokey, on page 281.) In 2000 Aiello founded the U.S. War Dogs Association and spear-headed the drive to honor the Vietnam war dogs and their handlers with a bronze sculpture that now stands in Holmdel, New Jersey. Readers may also be surprised to learn that military dogs continue to protect and save lives today in Afghganistan and Iraq. The chapter on the rescued Iraqi dog recruited by Special Forces Sergeant First Class Russell Joyce for sentry duty ("Fluffy") is uplifting and inspiring.

Burnam's book is a great read. His telling of his relationship with his partner "Clipper" is poignant and ultimately heart-wrenching. The personal accounts and military details also make it an interesting historical record. But perhaps more than anything, it is a moving tribute to some very special heroes who's bravery and good deeds should never be forgotten.(And don't forget to read with a box of tissue--you'll need it!)

I was thoroughly enthrawled and entertained while reading this well-told story. It is precise, matter-of-fact and compelling. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns a dog, loves animals, or wants to see what it was like to be an infantryman during a very trying and difficult war. Mr. Burnam tells it like it was, and shows what it means and what it takes to be a dog-handler during the Vietnam war. Good book.

War dogs have been used in military actions for many years. This is the story of author John C. Burnam's experiences as a dog handler in Vietnam. These dogs saved countless lives as their keen senses of hearing and smell alerted their handler to danger long before the handler would have become aware of it. And, of course, many of the dogs also lost their lives in the line of duty. This is a very personal look at the special relationship between dog and handler and the brotherhood of all those who were dog handlers in a military action. Filled with pictures taken during the Vietnam action, it includes the sad story of the abandonment of thousands of dogs at the end of the war. For anyone who has an interest in the ways dogs have helped military actions, the bond between handlers and dogs, the courage and dedication of war dogs, or just the recent history of war dogs Dog Tags of Courage is a recommended read.

In addition to offering great historical and cultural perspective for anyone interested in the "American War" - the Vietnam War - and previous history...this book is just funny.

It is an intelligent, witty, insightful book, and yet is somehow familiar...almost 'quaint' - with characters who are endearing, comfortable and delightful even to an American reader many decades later.

I was assigned this novel for a Vietnamese history class; I would not have even heard of it otherwise.

This novel is excellent. The writing style, translated from 1930's Vietnamese, is humourous, witty, and fast-paced. The luck, charisma, and quick thinking of Red-Haired Xuan is hilarious, and the plot is worthy of the best modern comedy movies (particularly British ones).

I have no clue how you would find out about this novel, but if you do, you should read it. It had me laughing out loud, and I am not a fan of historical or foreign novels. Considering that this novel is 70 years old and from a totally different language, it must be a masterpiece if to still be so good.

i haven't read a lot of vietnamese literature but among those i've read, i would rank dumb luck and tale of kieu at the very top. dumb luck is hilarious and absurdly modern for its time and place. i could definitely see this book translated into a quirky comedic film (i think the preface says the author may have been influenced by such french films and i can see that, if that's true). the main character, red-haired xuan, is delightful but not annoying. not a word is wasted here -- every character and line of dialogue is essential to the story. the book is a quick, refreshing read. however, in trying to give an objective comparison, i can tell you that my israeli boyfriend also loved it but my vietnamese high school brother merely thought it was funny but not hilarious. pick up this book if you want to read an excellent piece of vietnamese literature or want to spend a few hours rollicking with laughter (or more likely smirking and uttering a couple of "hah!"s every few minutes). this is a rare, obscure find. read it if you have the opportunity to do so.

One of the co-authors; Dr. Anita Hibler of "Elephants for Mr. Lincoln" is an old friend. It seems that she and I have been in and out of Southeast Asia for most of our adult lives and I can tell you she very much loves this area of the world and the peoples who live and work in it.
The notes and Selected Bibliography are fantastic starting off points for history, economic and numismatic researchers because I do not think I have even thought of using American missionary writings as sources of research of the region, or that they even survived and are available.
One of the most notable numismatic sets of coins during the timeframe was a present to the King of Siam of a complete set of American proof coins called the "King of Siam" set. It is not mentioned but a gold sword to the King and a silver sword to the second king are mentioned. There has to be more interesting gifts.
The many, many currency transactions will be very useful to someone researching the economics of the period, and there are brief items about the French taking over parts of Viet Nam and Cambodia that are interesing hints that more is hidden in the references to it. There are also quite a bit of Confederate Navy actions in it that might not be known to those interested in that side of the Civil War.
I highly recommend this book, but as my review title is an indication, do not look for any excitement in it.

ELEPHANTS FOR MR. LINCOLN: AMERICAN CIVIL WAR-ERA DIPLOMACY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA tells of American-Asian relationships and encounters before and during the U.S. Civil War era, focusing on the individuals who fostered relationships throughout the war years. Diplomacy, trade, and changing relationships between different Asian countries are the focus of chapters surveying changing opinions, politics, and relationships both affected by and distant from Civil War events. A fascinating coverage provides college-level readers with an unusual early diplomatic history key to understanding today's Asian history.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Elephants for Mr. Lincoln is an interesting study as it places its focus on the activities of the United States government and American Christian ministry enterprises in Asia during the American Civil War.

Students of the "War Between the States" often find their education focused on both domestic issues and activities in Europe (at least I did when I took classes on the Civil War in college). The politics and the battles continue to produce large volumes of work and will continue to do so as time goes on, such is the Civil War ingrained in our historical fascinations.

This book is very well researched (as attributed by the pages of references) and finds its niche in an often overlooked part of American activity, in this case Asia. The authors underscore the dire state of our diplomatic representation and shipping industry that reduced the status of the United States in the eyes of Asian monarchs and governments. The Confederate raiders that attacked US shipping are also discussed to reflect their impact on shipping.

That lowly view of the US in Asia remained unchanged through the 1870's until around the time Ulysses Grant made a world wind tour of the region. (I think part of that is due to American focus on developing the Western Frontier after the war, and otherwise putting a lower priority on foreign issues during the two decades following the end of the conflict.) In the least it's an excellent historical research tool for anyone performing empirical in depth studies of the United States during the Civil War.

The best guide book about Chaingmai

It's a shame that there are no newer editions out but this sturdily bound and nicely sized book seems to hold up against information I have found on various websites. Written by a long term resident of Chiang Mai, it is useful for a short visit or a long stay. There is a newer edition coming out next year. However, you should be able to get an edition from the author if you google for his email address. This books make the internet information search much much more comprehensible as does Nancy Chandler's map. I recommend both products as worth buying and genuinely useful.

As as resident of Chiang Mai, I have found this book to be the most accurate and interesting guide book on Chiang Mai currently in print. Unlike many other guide books, it is just as relevant for a long-term resident or frequent visitor as it is for a short-term tourist. It is a great book.

I first came across these books traveling to Europe and I own almost 20 of these guides. I will be going to Singapore this year so I bought the DK guide, naturally!

The photos are in bright stunning color and leap from the pages. There are history time lines, references to historical and political development, architecture, museums, maps, culture, restaurants, places to stay. Very complete. Just a great book.

Let me elaborate a little bit. There are a number of other travel books - and some guides are mainly just text. I like some photographs and color. A picture is worth 1000 words. The visuals are just stunning in the DK books. This book about Singapore is no exception. Like all other DK books it has maps, and drawings, and numerous stunning photos of art, architecture, city scenes, etc. This book also has a section unique to Singapore - it has a special section on foods with many dishes all (again) in wonderful color photographs. Just an excellent job.

Highly recommend and makes for a good souvenir.

This is the best guide book i have ever bought. It helped me get through my whole trip in singapore, I would have been totally lost without it.

I love all Eyewitness guides and was not disappointed with this one. Full of details, full of pictures and very well organized. Just great...

I've read several books about the fall of Vietnam in 1975 and the evacuation of the Americans and Vietnamese from the doomed country. "Decent Interval" by Frank Snepp is excellent. Snepp sees the events as an Embassy insider -- and one of his purposes is to excoriate the U.S. government -- and Ambassador Graham Martin -- for its failure to evacuate Vietnamese allies. Compared to "Decent Interval," "The Fall of Saigon" has a broader vision and the perspective is perhaps more balanced as it comes 10 years after the event, allowing time for reflection.

Butler begins the book with the attack of the North Vietnamese army in the Central Highlands on March 6, 1975. He ends it with the evacuation of the American Embassy in Saigon and the surrender of the South Vietnamese government on April 30. The evacuation of Saigon was one of the darkest -- but most dramatic -- events of American history. There are heroes aplenty here, especially young diplomats at the Embassy who took enormous chances to help Vietnamese friends and colleagues escape from the advancing communist army. One has to admire the inexperienced Marines who did so well in protecting the Embassy and Americans during those last days. Butler also gives attention to Vietnamese on both sides of the war although the book focuses mostly on the Americans.

Butler was a journalist in Saigon during those last days and the the great majority of the book is compiled from interviews the author had with the American and South and North Vietnamese participants and eye witnesses, including his own experiences. We are treated to some unique stories, for example, to the saga of a missionary couple cut off in the Central Highlands but most of the book is devoted to an account of the last days of of the U.S. government's presence in Saigon. This story is complex, involving many characters and shifting of scenes. Good maps and photos illustrate the story and Butler's writing is clear, concise, and compelling.

Smallchief

Do not start this book unless you have plenty of reading time. The phrase "hard to put down" is an understatement. For most of us, we watched the events of April 29, 1975 unfold on our TV sets. Author David Butler not only watched, but was also a participant in the final hours of the American Presence in Vietnam. His eyewitness accounts are both gripping and detailed. He has also collected and researched numerous first-person accounts from those who were in Saigon during those last hours.

The North Vietnamese Army made thier final push at 4 AM and in the process cut off the only available airfield. The only means of escape from the siege would be a massive evacuation using helicopters. While reading these accounts, you can feel the tension and confusion along with countless other emotions of those involved. A Hollywood script could never compare to this real-life drama. The Vietnam War was a long road in American History. The Fall of Saigon was the last milestone.

"The Fall of Saigon," by David Butler is a detailed account of a heartbreaking story. The author weaves a complete narrative by combining first hand American and Vietnamese views. Moreover, having been on the ground in Saigon during that last days of the American war in Vietnam Butler provides credible information.

Butler's work is comprehensive and objective. He also manages to integrate many tid-bits of information to demonstrate the plight of the everyday pedestrian. However, the key to the success of this book is the minute by minute, hour by hour countdown of how Americas pulled out of Vietnam. The text is enhanced by outstanding photos.

Anyone interested in examining the hasty withdrawal from Saigon should read this intimate book. Butler knows the cast of journalists and many of the key American embassy players. Consequently, he has managed to complete an amazingly credible manuscript of how the U.S. failed to keeps its promise to thousands of Vietnamese. Butler proves we were not able to keep our word when we said...that we would never leave without them.

I've read several books about the fall of Vietnam in 1975 and the evacuation of the Americans and Vietnamese from the doomed country. "Decent Interval" by Frank Snepp is excellent. Snepp sees the events as an Embassy insider -- and one of his purposes is to excoriate the U.S. government -- and Ambassador Graham Martin -- for its failure to evacuate Vietnamese allies. Compared to "Decent Interval," "The Fall of Saigon" has a broader vision and the perspective is perhaps more balanced as it comes 10 years after the event, allowing time for reflection.

Butler begins the book with the attack of the North Vietnamese army in the Central Highlands on March 6, 1975. He ends it with the evacuation of the American Embassy in Saigon and the surrender of the South Vietnamese government on April 30. The evacuation of Saigon was one of the darkest -- but most dramatic -- events of American history. There are heroes aplenty here, especially young diplomats at the Embassy who took enormous chances to help Vietnamese friends and colleagues escape from the advancing communist army. One has to admire the inexperienced Marines who did so well in protecting the Embassy and Americans during those last days. Butler also gives attention to Vietnamese on both sides of the war although the book focuses mostly on the Americans.

Butler was a journalist in Saigon during those last days and the the great majority of the book is compiled from interviews the author had with the American and South and North Vietnamese participants and eye witnesses, including his own experiences. We are treated to some unique stories, for example, to the saga of a missionary couple cut off in the Central Highlands. Most of the book is devoted to an account of the last days of of the U.S. government's presence in Saigon. This story is complex, involving many characters and shifting of scenes. Good maps and photos illustrate the story and Butler's writing is clear, concise, and compelling.

Smallchief

Butler was a reporter in Vietnam when the world came crashing down on the South Vietnamese government, the United States that had backed it, and the people who had joined the American cause. This is a searing book, worth any number of lofty Frances FitzGerald tomes. Butler was on the street, in the bars, and driving down the road. What's more important, he loved Vietnam and the Vietnamese. Their tragedy was his tragedy. Go find this book, in a library or a used-book store; it's worth the effort. And if you're a publisher, for God's sake get it reprinted.

This book documents the last few chaotic weeks of the US presents in Vietnam. The human story is effectively conveyed by first hand accounts of eyewitnesses from many strata of Vietnam society. The author, an NBC reporter in Saigon, witnessed these events firsthand. His unique perspective and access to the diplomatic corps adds a fascinating credibility to the book. His discussion concerning the actions and statements of Ambassador Graham Martin particularly intrigued me. Did Martin's decisions during that period contribute to the frantic last minute evacuation that left many friendlies stranded? The author makes no judgments. Butler includes transcript of many diplomatic cables to and from Martin and Secretary of State Kissinger and the White House concerning events and plans for evacuation and rescue. Reading these transcripts today still convevs a strong emotional impact for this reader. Interspacing these high level discussions are the stories of a whole society turned upside down while "we" skipped town. The Fall of Saigon is not an easy book to read. We are forced to confront the final conclusion of our failed crusade. Our goal was the minds and the hearts but we ended up fragmented the lives of the people we were suppose to help. When one considers the sacrifices made by both countries in treasure and lives the facts concerning the events of April-May 1975 are hard to digest, even after 30 plus years. No judgments are made here, no accusing fingers are pointed; we must read, and ponder.

When I saw a copy of this book I was immediately pleased with its appearance and organization. My interest was fully primed so I purchased the book and began to read. I discovered that the book was very pleasant and easy to read. The new organizing principle set forth in the book provides a beautiful and convincing flow of relationships which carry the reader to the conclusion that a very acceptable explanation has been given for the existance of three quark-lepton families.

Gerald Fitzpatrick's book addresses what the physics community has called "The Family Problem," i.e., why did nature choose to create the basic building blocks of matter in triplicate? All known matter in the universe is made of the subatomic particles which are called quarks and leptons. Quarks bind together strongly to form protons and neutrons while the familiar leptons, namely, the electron and the elusive electrically neutral (electron) neutrino experience only electroweak interactions. But nature didn't stop there. These particles are found in three families despite the fact that the known matter in the universe is made of only those particles that are members of the first family. The second and third families consist of two additional quark doublets plus the muon and tau leptons as well as two additional neutrino flavors. In the words of the famous physicist I. I. Rabi when confronted by the discovery of one of these EXTRA PARTICLES (the muon) " Who ordered that?" The otherwise highly successful description of the sub atomic realm "The Standard Model" is unable to shed any light on this mystery. This" Family Problem", is the problem that Fitzpatrick addresses in this book. Fitzpatrick's approach is a unique application of the Cayley-Hamilton theorem (for matrices) that extends the so called fermion-sector of the standard model. Using this theorem he develops a simple but compelling mathematical structure to expand the standard model to incorporate these "extra" particles. This mathematical approach utilizes a Lorentz 2- space that naturally accounts for nature's triplication of families. Postulating an eigen function, utilizing the standard model's fermion number as the eigen value, the author derives all the quark and lepton Quantum numbers as an intrinsic feature of his theory. In addition, based on the mathematical structure that Fitzpatrick utilizes in his theory, a topological distinction is revealed between the first family and the second and third families. Based on this theory the first family may be thought of as having a cylindrical topology while the two higher families have a Mobius strip topological configuration. Finally the author summarizes possible connections of his theory with Planck level physics and Supersymmetry. Fitzpatrick's book is a must read for anyone who has a curiosity about the wonders of the subatomic world. The author's style is clear and straight forward and every facet of his theory is explained in adequate detail. Throughout this book the reader will find himself on an adventure of mathematical beauty and profound physical insight.

Despite the phenomenological success of the "standard model of
quarks and leptons" in providing a framework for analyzing high
energy particle experiments using particle masses up to the highest
energies currently available in accelerator laboratories, it remains
"ad hoc" in a vital respect. We have found three
generations of quarks and leptons, which fit together in the way that
the standard model provides, but there is no generally accepted reason
why the sequence should stop at three. Gerald Fitzpatrick goes
slightly outside the usual model by generalizing the scalar
"fermion number" to quantum numbers in a two-dimensional
real space attached to each fermion or antifermion. To do this he
invokes an "organizing principle," which accomplishes
precisely what is needed to solve this "family problem"
posed by the observational cutoff at three generations. In so doing
he provides a parsimonious formulation of the quantum numbers of the
standard model, consistent with all currently known facts. At the end
of the book he even provides speculative reasons why his model could
be the low-energy consequence of some theory which takes the final
step of unifying gravitation with the strong, electromagnetic and weak
interactions covered by the standard model. I sincerely hope that
some young theoretical physicist will have the courage to step just
slightly beyond conventional approaches and explore the path
Fitzpatrick has opened up. Rich rewards could lie down that
road.

H. Pierre Noyes
Professor, Theoretical Physics

Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
END

I'm delighted that this classic of adventure travel has finally been republished for a new generation of "off-the-beaten-track" travel enthusiasts.
Back in 1958, when I was in my 20's, I bought a paperback edition of the book and read and re-read it until it literally fell apart. It inspired me and some friends to ship a VW Kombi van to Bombay in 1964, and then head off overland to London. It was perhaps the most exciting few months of my life, and gave me a lifelong fascination with the less-travelled roads of the world. May it also inspire you!
And now, along with this new edition of the book, Teeafit in the UK has released a DVD of the original colour movie footage that Slessor's crew took along their way to document their epic journey. Unreservedly recommended!
Just as a footnote, if you enjoy this book, you will also enjoy "Long Road to London" by Peter Jeans, who rode from Sri Lanka to London on a motor bike in 1963.

The book is as good as the comment from this gentleman in Canada, and more. It is one lesson of history after another of geography after another of sociology.
Yes, it has a new edition, with a foreword by Sir David Attenborough. ISBN 1-904955-14-2.
Get it if you are either a Land Rover enthusiast or simply enjoy well written travel stories.

I just don't believe nobody has reviewed this book before me. But OK, lets cut to the chase. This was published back in 1957, and it's the story of six Oxford & Cambridge university students who picked up a couple of Land Rovers and drove overland from the UK to Singapore. The notable thing about this book is that these six were among the last known people to drive over the old Burma Road from Assam in India into northern Burma, & thence thru Burma to Thailand. An event that is covered by only a few pages in the book, but it's downright historical, because shortly afterwards Burma closed itself off and insurrections broke out among the the tribal people in Assam & the frontier district of India. As far as I can find out, nobody's driven through since.

The books well written in an "intrepid english adventurer" style and it's entertaining pretty much all the way through. My copies an old one, published in 1959, I have no idea if it's ever been republished but it's certainly worth the read if you can lay your paws on it and you like this kind of travel story.

This book provides the type of in-depth fly fishing information that is valuable for the beginner and experienced angler alike. Beau's water descriptions, fly selections, maps and tips provide everything you need to explore Virginia's freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. I would Highly recommend this book.

Admittedly I'm biased: The author is my husband. Still, I believe that Fly Fishing Virginia is a great overall reference guide to the fresh and salt waters of the Old Dominion for all types of fishermen. Both dry fly purists and spin fishermen will find something new and useful here.

Features include readable road and river maps noting public access points and boat launches, lovely color photography, and a guide for each water that includes seasons and limits, suggested gear, patterns, local accommodations, and even an overall water rating. Anglers will also find several color pages of local, useful patterns.

This is the best all around fly-fishing book currently available covering the diverse array of angling opportunities one finds in the Old Dominion. The book combines the perfect balance of basic "guidebook" information--where-to and how-to items--with pertinent information about the waters covered. An excellent sampling of the major fresh and saltwater fisheries (creek/river/lake/bay) is presented. Moreover, it is wonderfully designed and illustrated with beautiful color photography and valuable maps throughout. Besides the indispensable coverage of the fisheries, lots of good contact information for fly shops, reputable fly fishing guides, and conservation clubs is also provided. You will want to keep this book readily accessible--mine is on the coffee table in our lodge at Greasy Creek Outfitters.