The Selected Works of Ho Chi Minh

by Hồ Chí Minh

Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969), real name Nguyen Tat Thanh, was a Vietnamese Communist leader and the principal force behind the Vietnamese struggle against French colonial rule and American imperialism. Contained in this volume is a selection of his most important works. These works span a lifetime of struggle.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Asia, Biography, Theory

276 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2011

About the author

Vietnamese Communist revolutionary and statesman who was Prime Minister and President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam).

Reviews

[Arin Goswami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bro this guy fended off the French and American forces simultaneously while building a socialist state with his homies.

GOATed

[Daniel Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book but it is inevitably limited by it's format. This book would be perfect for source material for academic study but it was bought for me as a casual read which I would not recommend unless you are very interested in the subject. Reading this book in short bursts is the key as it is very easy to zone out from reading it as there is a very limited chronology or narrative. However, that is to be expected from a book like this and your enjoyment of it is entirely dependent on why you are reading it.

[Skog]

(Ho Chi Minh i urval av Stig Källberg*)

[Joma Geneciran · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's so nice to have an english translation of Ho Chi Minh's writings. It could have used better editing. For example, an initial biography and headnote to each primary source letter or speech would've helped.

I'm very appreciative to have this text; but for a comprehensive introduction to Ho Chi Minh thought, we'll have to continue to wait.

[Richard Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly moving and a brilliant insight into the struggles of the indochinese people against colonialism and imperialism

[Douglas Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not a primer on Ho Chi Minh Thought, nor is it a biography, but a collection of speeches, letters and notes Ho Chi Minh made to various politicians, cadres, soldiers, friends and countrymen throughout his life from 1920-1969.

Organized chronologically, the book is a good primer for the political goings on of Indochina during its original struggle against French colonialism, to the forming of the Vietnamese Communist Party in 1930, to its struggle against the French as well as the Japanese, and then when the French return under American imperialist designs, and then the war with America itself. Much of the book is instructive, towards new communists in Vietnam and to the people, as to what needs to be done to guarantee its freedom and independence.

What's most interesting is that Vietnam was the first former colony to become a Marxist Leninist state (Sept 2, 1945) and showing how it simultaneously built a socialist state WHILE also defending itself against the most powerful forces in the world. While the book can be repetitive, no doubt instructions needed to be repeated and goals delineated for such a feat to be accomplished. I knock it one star because it doesn't follow any specific structure.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to preface that I read the banned version of this book titled "Uncle Ho". This version was presumably printed in small quantities, judging by the numerous typeface errors and hand-stitched spine, by the enigmatic "Foreign Languages Publishing House", a publishing company that has subsidiaries in Moscow and Pyongyang. So what I read is a legitimate piece of propaganda.

The book is a collection of interviews on people intimate with Ho Chi Minh's struggles and spans a lifetime of his political teachings. I will note that these passages are filled with an ever-benevolent depiction of Minh, along with his philosophical quotes and work songs. While this book may conjure an affinity from its readers to empathize with this leader, I have doubts on its overall authenticity.

[Jose Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.”

A powerful collection of speeches, letters, and writings from Vietnam’s most important leader and one of the most influential revolutionaries of the 20th Century. Covering more than 40 years, this book shows Ho Chi Minh’s deep commitment to Vietnam’s independence and his fight against colonial rule.

Through clear and direct language, Ho Chi Minh talks about freedom, equality, and the struggles of the Vietnamese people. His words reflect his belief in justice, unity, and the power of ordinary people to change their future.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

very impressive life, he wasn't much for writing political theory but it was great learning more about him and his struggle. I wish this book was laid out better and had dates on when each piece was written, maybe some commentary and annotation would have been helpful.

[Ignacio Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book
Highly recommend

[Mitja · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's incredible to see that one can express complex ideas and topics with such simple words.