Brings together many of Rambo's writings about Vietnam from the past forty years. The book opens with an autobiographical account of Rambo's history as a Vietnam researcher that sets each of the selections into the context. The writings are grouped into topical sections, each with a brief introduction that describes the selections it contains. Part I deals with cultural history, religion, and cultural ecology, Part II with the Vietnamese village, Part III with the impact of the war on South Vietnam, Part IV with Vietnam's development prospects in its reform period, and Part V with the problems of development in Vietnam's mountains.