At War in the Shadow of Vietnam: United States Military Aid to the Royal Lao Government, 1955-75

By Timothy N. Castle

Book Overview

The first book to recount the full story of U.S. covert operations in Laos during the Vietnam war. Based on newly declassified materials and interviews with dozens of key American and Lao officials, it examines the structure of the U.S. "secret war" in Laos and the long-term consequences associated with it.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 023107977X
• ISBN13: 9780231079778
• Release Date: April 1993
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Well-documented history of an almost forgotten war.

The failed American military involvement in Laos presents a tough target for any researcher, but Dr. Castle successfully negotiates the obstacle course to gain access to and declassify critical documents which form the foundation for this valuable look back on an episode in danger of being forgotten. Well-documented interviews with key players of the time fill in many but not all of the gaps. Those readers more interested in the personal impact on the families of those lost in action during this failed campaign will find Castle's follow-on book "One Day Too Long" a more direct fit to their needs.