A Bright Shining Lie; John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam by Sheehan, Neil - 1988

New York: Random House, 1988. First Edition, First Printing. Cloth. Near fine/near fine. First edition of A Bright Shining Lie by Neil Sheehan, inscribed to Senator Larry Pressler.. Thick octavo, [14], 861pp. Blue cloth, title in gilt print on spine, author's signature on front cover. Stated "first edition" with corresponding first printing number line on copyright page. Wear to front hinge at half-title, not affecting stability of text block. Unread copy. In publisher's dust jacket, retail price on front flap, near fine dust jacket. Inscribed to Senator Larry Pressler shortly after publication: "To Larry Pressler, Who is helping the grass grow green on the battlefield again, with Admiration + Best Regards, Neil Sheehan. Sept. 25, 1988." An exceptional association copy of this Pulitzer Prize winning book. Senator Larry Pressler served in United States Senate from 1979 -1997, representing South Dakota. After completing his Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, he joined the United States Army and served in Vietnam from 1966-1968, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant. He was the first Vietnam veteran to be elected to the Senate. During his senatorial career, Pressler continually advocated for veteran's rights and for ending the long embargo on Vietnam. Sheehan's reference to "helping the grass grow green again on the battlefield," is likely an allusion to his work for veterans issues.