This book is the second in a planned 3 book series by Mark Moyer. The first one, Triumph Forsaken is in my opinion THE definitive source on the events that led to the US entering the war beyond the advisor stages. More than just about the politics and battles in Vietnam but it also details the effect all of it had on other Asian countries and the rest of the world. Most depressing is the missed chances and foolish assumptions from JFK and McNamara.

This book continues that first classic history with primary sources released in the years since by Hanoi and statements and writings from the top leaders in Hanoi and China on their real thoughts, plans and fears at the time. China never had any intention of getting into combat with the USA at the time after the terrible losses they suffered in Korea. But fear of them coming in on the side of North Vietnam directly really sent LBJ and JFK into intense cold sweats.

This book is a masterwork of scholarship that I give my very highest recommendation.