Spy Pham Xuan An – The Man Whose Name Was His Life

Book : Spy Pham Xuan An – The Man Whose Name Was His Life

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Author: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hai
Publication Date: December 2023
Dimensions: 13 x 20 cm
Publisher: Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House
Pages: 320
Language: Vietnamese

Publisher’s Note

The book Pham Xuan An – The Man Whose Name Was His Life was first introduced to readers in 2002 and has since been reprinted seven times by various publishers. What you are holding now is the 8th edition, published by the Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House.

Today, the name of journalist, intelligence hero, and Major General Pham Xuan An is world-renowned — for his exceptional skills, brilliant achievements, quiet yet humorous and humane personality. His life and legacy have been explored in depth through the works of many journalists, writers, and historians both within and outside of Vietnam. From Pham Xuan An – The Man Whose Name Was His Life by writer Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hai to Perfect Spy by American historian Professor Larry Berman, Pham Xuan An’s life has been illuminated from multiple perspectives. The world now understands him more deeply, even though he passed away in 2006.

Pham Xuan An truly lived a double life that seemed almost unbelievable — as Larry Berman himself once said. Going back several decades, An was an enigma. It was difficult to approach him, and even more difficult to engage in deep conversation, as he often said: “Once something is done, let it pass.”
Writer Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hai shared:

“It took me ten years to complete this modest book. Like every writer at the beginning, I faced rejection. There were many things he couldn’t or wouldn’t say, to protect those involved. I soon realized that this task was beyond my strength. He wasn’t ready to reveal himself, and I had no access to intelligence archives. I gave up on the idea of writing. But then I told myself — even if I don’t write, I can still listen, to understand and learn from such an extraordinary man. That was my way of life — not just working, but seeking meaning. Perhaps this sincere curiosity and honesty made him grow fond of me. The gaze and gestures of this experienced, special man seemed to give me courage and inspiration.”

The author continued:

“I was not equipped to write about him with the precision of a professional intelligence historian, nor did I want to merely list biographical facts. I sought to capture the essence of what Morley once called the ‘Quiet Vietnamese Spirit,’ or the sense of honor that Peter Ross Range described. Above all, I wanted every Vietnamese person to embrace the gentleness, courage, and humanity embodied in this man — tall yet fragile like a reed. From what miraculous source did such inner strength arise? If any reader shares that same curiosity, then please read this book. It is part of a portrait helping us understand the noble image of the Vietnamese soul we are mapping within ourselves.”

Pham Xuan An once appeared on Vietnamese television in the program Contemporary Figures, and director Le Phong Lan has also completed a documentary about him.

This book by Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hai marks the beginning of introducing this legendary intelligence agent to the public. When Professor Larry Berman visited her home to present an English copy of his book Perfect Spy (not yet published in Vietnam), he wrote a dedication:

“Your biography of Pham Xuan An led the way for the rest of us.”

Her effort was well recognized — the book by Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hai received awards from both the Vietnam Writers’ Association and the Ministry of Public Security.

Respectfully introduced to readers.