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The Ugly American
The Ugly American
Author: William Lederer, Eugene Burdick, William J. Lederer
The multi-million-copy bestseller that coined the phrase for tragic American blunders abroad. First published in 1958, The Ugly American became a runaway national bestseller for its slashing expos of American arrogance, incompetence, and corruption in Southeast Asia. Based on fact, the book's eye-opening stories and sketches drew a devastati...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780393318678
ISBN-10: 0393318672
Publication Date: 1/1/1999
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 6

4.3 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: W. W. Norton Company
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Ugly American on
Helpful Score: 1
I am a Political Science major. For me this book was an eye opener. It was very well written. The short stories are so believable. If you enjoy foreign diplomacy you should not read this book. If you love the United States you should not read this book. There is a warning on the first page that says;âThe Ugly American is the frightening novel of what really goes on behind the secret, red-tape curtain of American diplomacy. Even those who have but a casual understanding of politics and foreign affairs will find this book a compelling and memorable reading experience. The authors are master story tellers and their novel is a suspenseful and deeply human story that cannot but touch the heart and excite the pride and fury of every intelligent American.â I only wish I had taken this seriouly.I enjoyed this book, but I am sorry I read it. This book truely makes you think about your place in our government.
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reviewed The Ugly American on + 12 more book reviews
This book should be required reading. It not only makes an excellent point, but also frames that point within an interesting story. Our culture has changed since the book was written, but the principles still apply.
reviewed The Ugly American on
Eye-opening. Published in 1958, you would assume much of the situation has changed. I found that many of the problems of American government establishments abroad are still in place.


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