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A Bright Shining Lie

A Bright Shining Lie

John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam
Biography & MemoirHistory
Pages
896
Published
1900
Language
English

Synopsis

Neil Sheehan's "A Bright Shining Lie" chronicles the complex military career of Lt. Col. John Paul Vann during the Vietnam War. The book details Vann's controversial actions and his deep involvement in both military and civilian aspects of the conflict. It offers a critical look at the war through the eyes of one of its most prominent and conflicted figures.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

ReflectiveInformativeComplexThought-Provoking
Morally GreyAnti-Hero

Genres

Biography & Memoir History Military History Biography

About the author

N
Neil Sheehan

Cornelius Mahoney "Neil" Sheehan (born October 27, 1936) is an American journalist. As a reporter for The New York Times in 1971, Sheehan obtained the classified Pentagon Papers from Daniel Ellsberg. His series of articles revealed a secret United States Department of Defense history of the Vietnam War and led to a US Supreme Court case, New York Times Co. v. United States, 403 U.S. 713 (1971), when the United States government failed to halt publication. He received a Pulitzer Prize and a...

Frequently asked questions

  • What awards did A Bright Shining Lie win?

    A Bright Shining Lie was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction and the National Book Award for Nonfiction. These accolades recognize its extensive research and profound impact as a historical account of the Vietnam War.

  • Is A Bright Shining Lie based on a true story?

    The book is a meticulously researched biography of John Paul Vann, a real-life figure who played a significant and controversial role in the Vietnam War. It draws heavily on historical documents, interviews, and Sheehan's own experiences as a war correspondent.

  • How does A Bright Shining Lie relate to other Vietnam War histories?

    This book is often considered a definitive work on the Vietnam War, distinguished by its focus on John Paul Vann as a lens through which to examine the broader conflict. It offers a critical perspective on American involvement and strategy, setting it apart from more general historical overviews.