Ho Chi Minh (2018) [ROUTLEDGE HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHIES]

Ho was the father of his nation, a major protagonist in the Cold War and anti-colonial struggle, and the promoter of a distinctive Vietnamese form of communism. This biography charts Ho’s life from his early years and education in Europe, to his establishment of the revolutionary pro-communist movement, the Viet Minh, and his subsequent rise to power. Placing important emphasis on Ho’s role as a military organizer while stressing his preference for diplomatic solutions, this book contains detailed analysis of the complex talks with France and failure to prevent the Franco-Vietminh war in 1946. It also follows Ho’s complex relationships with America, China, France, and Russia and explores the Vietnam War and his legacy.

As well as extensive coverage of the 1954 Geneva Conference, the rivalry between Ho and First Secretary Le Duan and the 1968 Tet Offensive,Ho Chi Minhis also the first English language biography of Ho to pay close attention to his attitude to women and their role within the communist party. It is the perfect introduction for students of Vietnamese history and twentieth century history more broadly.