From Abdo’s series Essential Library of American Wars, Vietnam War by Martin Gitlin, is a 100 page accounting of the 20 year war as well as a brief historical account of the French-colonial rule leading up to the Vietnam War’s start in 1954.  It’s always a toss up to this reviewer whether a book such is this is meant to used as a reference source or as a book to read for pleasure.  On the side of pleasure, editors chose to take the reader right into the height of the conflict in 1968 Tet offensive.  A hook to establish the harsh realities of the war, readers then begin the chronological journey.  But because of this publisher’s choice to present a text in 10″ x 8″ size, I just don’t see many middle or high school students pulling this out on silent reading day or cuddling up with it in bed.  To the student that is not put off by its size, the combination of full color and black and white photos with size 14 or larger text and 2 inch margins make this feel like a more substantial read than it is.  This reviewer doesn’t doubt that the content is well presented and consulted upon with the help of history Professor Kenneth Heineman, Angelo State University.  It is very readable and discusses all of the main battles/concepts one has/will learn in a general history class concerning Vietnam.  But if a library were looking for a text that would have in-depth articles on such major battles/concepts, this is not the text for them.  Still if your library could benefit from a newer copyright date, this is a strong selection.