Lou Dematteis

A Portrait of Viet Nam

Forward by Oliver Stone
Epilogue by Le Ly Hayslip

In the midst of this unique and important period in Viet Nam's history, Lou Dematteis presents a beautiful and compelling look at a country that has risen from the ravages of war again and again.

After a long period of isolation, partially self-imposed and partially as a result of a punishing trade and diplomatic embargo imposed by the United States, Viet Nam has in the last few years begun opening its doors to the world. Along with this opening, the nation has been experiencing an internal liberalization that is ushering in dramatic changes in the economic, social, cultural, and artistic spheres.

Throughout the Viet Nam War and after, we have known and learned very little about the Viet Namese people. Accounts of the war and the country have focused almost exclusively on American involvement. This book provides us with new information. Focusing his camera on the daily lives of ordinary people, Lou Dematteis documents a vibrant, rapidly changing country of over 72 million inhabitants-a gracious people who were once considered America's most implacable foes and who now look forward to a future of friendship and cooperation.

In his foreword, film director Oliver Stone writes, "This book, by Lou Dematteis, is one step in the direction of liberating ourselves from our past."

Award-winning photographer Lou Dematteis has photographed around the world for over twenty years and has been exhibited extensively in the United States and abroad. He lives in San Francisco, California.

1996 / paperback original / ISBN 0-393-31429-4
1996 / hardcover / ISBN 0-393-03948-X
Over 100 full-color photographs / 128 pages / Photography/History