There is an evident need to see things more clearly, but without simplifying what was inherently a very complex war, which engulfed not only the United States and Vietnam, but their respective allies and other countries in Indochina, namely Laos and Cambodia. This task is undertaken by The A to Z Guide of the Vietnam War, first in its chronology, then in its introduction, but mainly in a substantial dictionary section including hundreds of entries on significant military and political persons, places, events, armed units, battles and lesser engagements, and weapons. Those seeking further information can then turn to the bibliography.