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“Dien Bien Phu – Moments from History” offers readers a comprehensive view of this momentous historical event through documentary images sourced from various archives.
With hundreds of carefully selected photographs, the book presents diverse perspectives from individuals who directly participated in or witnessed one of the most pivotal battles that shaped global events in the 20th century.
The book’s content is structured into four chronological sections.
Roads to Dien Bien Phu provides visual documentation of the context and underlying causes that led to the formation of the Dien Bien “cauldron.”
Dien Bien Phu: “The Poisonous Boil” depicts the emergence of a “hedgehog in the mountainous and forested northwest” from late 1953 to early March 3, 1954.
Fire Storm offers a vivid account of the fierce 56 days and nights, during which the “hedgehog” transformed from a Viet Minh strategy to “grind down” the enemy into a “living hell” for the expeditionary forces. Earth Shaking showcases the consequences and events that unfolded after May 7, 1954.
Each page of the book features photographs of historical significance, presenting an objective and comprehensive representation of the events that transpired during the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. These images also illustrate the impact of the Dien Bien Phu Victory on the negotiations and signing of the Geneva Accords, which marked the successful conclusion of the Vietnamese people’s resistance against French colonialism.
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| Photo: congthuong.vn |
According to the Truth National Political Publishing House, the book is a comprehensive, multidimensional, and complete publication that authentically portrays the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, its significance, and its lasting impact.
Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Truth National Political Publishing House Vo Van Be remarked that while numerous books have been published to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, this particular book stands out for its comprehensive nature and the realistic images it presents of this pivotal historical event.
Through nearly 200 unique photographs, the book vividly, comprehensively, and systematically recreates the images of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, as well as the present-day landscape of Dien Bien, which has undergone significant changes and developments.
“Additionally, the book includes documentary information that helps readers clearly grasp the overall context and the specific time period in which this ‘historic moment’ actually occurred.
The book has also been translated into English and French to support international information dissemination and reach a wider audience of global readers,” Vo Van Be stated.
According to Associate Professor, PhD. Bui Chi Trung, editor of the book, historical moments captured through photography possess undeniable power due to their inherent authenticity and objectivity. The book is not intended to provide a historical narrative but rather serves as evidence of the events that transpired.
“The book’s primary strength lies in its ability to offer readers a glimpse into the Dien Bien Phu Victory beyond the confines of the 56 days and nights of battle.
The editorial team hopes that this publication will contribute to fostering a deeper understanding of this momentous event in Vietnamese history among future generations and international audiences,” Bui Chi Trung said.
