A forensic study of war, imperial history and international relations, following the Second World War and leading into the Cold War and defeat of Western imperialism in Asia. And above all, the story of the pivotal battle and French defeat at Dien Bien Phu. It shows France''s revanchist attempt to regain imperial ''glory'' in her former Asian empire following humiliation in the Second World War - defeat and Vichy. The effort was spurred by de Galle''s chauvinism and desire to recover France-s honour and reputation, after so many humiliations by friend and foe. The Communist led Vietminh, were guided to victory by ruthless revolutionary Ho Chi Min - far from the attractive ''Uncle Ho'' who is revered as a communist saint in contrast to louche playboy emperor Bao Dai - and the very able General Giap. Communist strength in rural Vietnam society - the Vietminh represented a nation in arms - was backed by supplies from Communist China and the Soviet Union. It was an existential struggle on
