First published in 1968, the book is the product of Just's 18 months (December, 1965 - May, 1967) as Washington Post correspondent during the Vietnam War. "The pessimists," Just writes in this more or less characteristic tone, "of course, contended that ... most Vietnamese were not, as the Marines insisted, neutral. They were unfriendly. Force of arms sometimes kept them neutral in deed, rarely in thought. This could never be admitted, despite the evidence, for to admit it would be to say that the Marines were an occupation force." In the new foreword, Just reflects on Vietnam, on himself as a young man, and the development of his ideas since he wrote the book. Just has written 12 novels, including the National Book Award finalist Echo House . No index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Read Less