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Argues that the examination of contemporary American war narratives can lead to newfound understandings of American literature, American history, and American national purpose. To prove such a contention, the book blends literary, rhetorical, and cultural methods of analysis.

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American Myth, Vietnam, and the Prospect of Repetition Philip Caputo´s Deconstruction of the Warrior-Hero Ideal Michael Herr´s Dispatches and the Allure of Combat The Perversion of Labor in Larry Heinemann´s Vietnam Tim O´Brien´s Search for an Ideal Femininity Community in Bobbie Ann Mason´s War Fiction

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´The inclusion in this ´Vietnam´ book of America´s post 9/11 conflicts sharply contemporizes Hawkins´ vital insights, not only making Vietnam still relevant, but teaching us the commonality of all war. Hawkins has powerfully documented the loss of innocence that must accompany any sentient soldier´s combat encounters and aftermath. A haunting read.´ - Donald Anderson, editor of War, Literature & the Arts and When War Becomes Personal

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TY HAWKINS Assistant professor of English at Walsh University of Ohio, USA.

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