A. J. Langguth

A.J. Langguth (1933-2014) was an American journalist, author, and educator who made significant contributions across multiple fields of writing. As Southeast Asian correspondent and Saigon bureau chief for The New York Times during the Vietnam War, he established himself as a respected voice in war journalism. During his career, Langguth produced an diverse body of work including historical accounts, biographies, and satirical novels. His historical works covered significant periods in American history, including the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Vietnam War, while his other books explored topics ranging from Afro-Brazilian religion to U.S. involvement in Latin America. As a professor at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communications School of Journalism from 1976 until his retirement in 2003, Langguth shaped the next generation of journalists. His contributions to journalism education were recognized with the Freedom Forum Award in 2001, and his scholarly work earned him a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1976. His versatility as a writer was demonstrated through works like his biography of short story writer Saki and his satirical novel "Jesus Christs," showing his ability to move between genres and styles while maintaining historical accuracy and journalistic integrity.

Readers appreciate Langguth's thorough research and ability to bring historical figures to life, particularly in his books about the American Revolution and Vietnam War. His journalism background shows in his clear, straightforward writing style. Positive reviews mention: - Makes complex historical events accessible - Includes lesser-known details and personal stories - Connects events across time periods - Strong character development Common criticisms: - Too many characters to track - Can get bogged down in minutiae - Some readers find his political views intrude on the history - Occasional repetition between chapters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Union 1812" - 3.9/5 (392 ratings) "Patriots" - 4.1/5 (1,248 ratings) "Our Vietnam" - 3.9/5 (289 ratings) Amazon: "After Lincoln" - 4.4/5 (76 reviews) "Patriots" - 4.5/5 (144 reviews) "Our Vietnam" - 4.3/5 (52 reviews)

Hidden Terrors (1978) A detailed investigation of U.S. police training programs in Brazil and their connection to torture practices during the country's military dictatorship.

Our Vietnam (2000) A comprehensive account of the Vietnam War from 1941 to 1975, drawing on extensive interviews with participants from both sides of the conflict.

Patriots: The Men Who Started the American Revolution (1988) A narrative history following key figures of the American Revolution from the Sugar Act of 1764 through the Constitutional Convention.

Union 1812: The Americans Who Fought the Second War of Independence (2006) A historical examination of the War of 1812 through the perspectives of major American political and military figures.

After Lincoln: How the North Won the Civil War and Lost the Peace (2014) A study of the post-Civil War period focusing on the presidencies from Andrew Johnson to Rutherford B. Hayes.

Saki: A Life of Hector Hugh Munro (1981) A biography of British writer Saki, exploring his life, works, and tragic death in World War I.

Jesus Christs (1968) A satirical novel presenting multiple narratives about different people who believe themselves to be Jesus Christ.

Driven West: Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears to the Civil War (2010) An account of Andrew Jackson's presidency and the forced relocation of Native American tribes.

David Halberstam wrote extensively about the Vietnam War and American society, combining deep historical research with journalistic expertise. His work on topics ranging from the civil rights movement to American power structures shares Langguth's commitment to thorough reporting and historical context.

Stanley Karnow covered Southeast Asia as a journalist and wrote comprehensive histories of the Vietnam War and Philippines. His combination of first-hand reporting experience and historical scholarship mirrors Langguth's approach to documenting major conflicts.

Neil Sheehan reported from Vietnam for The New York Times and wrote detailed accounts of the war and its political background. His work shares Langguth's focus on both the military aspects and the complex political dynamics of the conflict.

Barbara Tuchman wrote narrative histories that blend political, social, and military perspectives into comprehensive accounts. Her attention to detail and ability to weave multiple historical threads together reflects Langguth's approach to historical writing.

Bernard Fall combined academic expertise with battlefield reporting in his coverage of conflicts in Southeast Asia. His work integrating political analysis with military history parallels Langguth's method of examining wars from multiple angles.