Overview
The Vietnam War era was one of the most contentious periods in recent American history, spurring clashes across the country and undermining the confidence of many citizens in their government. After the war, a new controversy emerged surrounding the question of how to honor those who fought. In his new book, acclaimed author and Vietnam War veteran James Reston, Jr. brings to life the battle of words and political machinations triggered by the decision to build a memorial on the National Mall.
Intertwining art, politics, and patriotism,听A Rift in the Earth听centers on the 1981 design competition for the memorial, which was won by Maya Lin, a 21-year-old undergraduate student. Today, Lin鈥檚 wall at the centerpiece of the memorial is one of Washington鈥檚 most revered landmarks 鈥 but, as Reston powerfully demonstrates, this outcome was far from a foregone conclusion.
-- Read a recent review from听The New York Times听.
-- Read an op-ed by James Reston,听Los Angeles Times, Sept. 3: ""
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History and Public Policy Program
The History and Public Policy Program听makes public the primary source record of 20th and 21st century international history from repositories around the world, facilitates scholarship based on those records, and uses these materials to provide context for classroom, public, and policy debates on global affairs. Read more
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