January 10, 2003

BOISE STATE PROFESSOR’S BOOK LOOKS AT LIFE, CULTURE OF VIETNAM

A new book by Boise State University history professor Shelton Woods looks beyond the rice paddies and war stories of Vietnam to its heart and soul. Vietnam: A Global Studies Handbook, published by ABC-CLIO (300 pages, $55, hardback), focuses on the nation’s history, society, culture and religion.

Intended for general readers rather than academic scholars, the book looks at the history that shaped Vietnam’s present-day society. From Vietnam’s indigenous dynasties to outside influences ranging from Buddhism to Western imperialism, Vietnam showcases the people’s resilience, creativity and intense love of freedom.

The book also includes an informative index of significant people and events, Vietnamese recipes and tips on conducting business in the country as well as narrative sections on Vietnamese history, geography, politics, economy and contemporary society. The book will supplement the United States Government’s Area Handbook series, which describes and analyzes a wide array of foreign countries.

Woods was born and raised in Southeast Asia. An associate professor of East/Southeast Asian history at Boise State, he received his Ph.D. in Southeast Asian history from the University of California-Los Angeles. He currently lives in Boise with his wife, Karen.

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Shelton Woods

Department of history

426-3349

Kathleen Craven

Boise State communications and marketing

208 426-3275

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