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Ðang Van Xuân [MAO] et al : 1950s to 1960s ORIGINAL MEMORY BOOK AND LETTER COPY BOOK OF A VIET CONG SOLDIER LEAVING HIS FRIENDS FOR THE WAR IN THE SOUTH

12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. On offer is a fascinating, original manuscript relic of the early Vietnam War dating back from the mid to later 1950s to the early 1960s. Handwritten by a Vietcong soldier called Mao [full name Ðang Van Xuân], the book is comprised of poems, letter copies and diary like entries and pages that remind one of memorial albums with entries by friends and admirers with whom he studied political courses by the Communist Party in Hanoi for 3 years. The writings include; sentimental, patriotic love poems about the role of love in war and love in general; also the lyrics of popular songs which our research finds are still known in Vietnam today. Our research suggests he lives in the North and the book commemorates that he is going far away. We know he is heading South on a 'mission' and likely combat as names mentioned include southern provinces: 'Nghe An' and 'Ha Tinh'. Interestingly the book had a dual purpose. When reversed the last 10 pages or so were used for mounting stamps; tax stamps, payroll stamps, we can only surmise but the stamps have since been removed but not by us. The book is in poor shape, the text block loose but all accounted for. Some old water damage but all the narrative and entries are legible.. Vietnamese. Book Condition: Poor

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