The publication "Letters North and South" comprises 73 letters written by General Nguyen Chi Thanh and his family over nearly 20 years (1948-1967). Most are letters from the general to his wife, Nguyen Thi Cuc, three to his children, and some replies. They paint a vivid portrait of a general with unwavering revolutionary spirit, as well as a loving husband and father.

67 letters from Nguyen Chi Thanh to his wife take the reader through various periods of his life. From 1948 to 1953, there are over 40 letters written from Hue to Interzone 4, from Interzone 4 to Viet Bac, and from the Viet Bac resistance base. Between 1954 and 1962, the general wrote 19 letters while on official trips to various provinces, accompanying President Ho Chi Minh to the International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties, and visiting Quang Binh.

In 1962, Nguyen Thi Cuc fell ill and had to seek treatment in Beijing, China. For 9 months, Nguyen Chi Thanh sent her 15 letters via post or with anyone traveling there on business.

The book, compiled by Vu Cong Lap and Bui Chi Trung, was released to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. Photo: Provided by the publisher

The book, compiled by Vu Cong Lap and Bui Chi Trung, was released to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. Photo: Provided by the publisher

General Nguyen Chi Thanh was not one for long letters. His letter dated 19/3/1948 contains only 35 words, a simple message mentioning a rainfall. One of his longest letters, written in 1965, has 327 words, expressing his joy upon receiving good news from home: "So happy to hear from you after over two months without a letter. I've sent three letters from May to July. There's another one that might arrive a bit later… I'm delighted to hear all four children are healthy and doing well in school. I hope you all continue to thrive in your studies, work, and especially in cultivating good morals, the foundation of a person… Hearing that you and Cuc are well brings me immense joy…".

For security reasons, both the sender and recipient used coded language. An excerpt from Mrs. Cuc's letter in 8/1965 reads: "Dear Thao, Cuc reminds you: Your work is demanding, so please take care of yourself to maintain your strength. Cuc's only wish is for you to stay healthy and prosperous in your endeavors. Cuc and the whole family will be overjoyed". Thao was another name used by General Nguyen Chi Thanh during his time in the South (the southern battlefield).

Handwriting of General Nguyen Chi Thanh in a letter to Mrs. Nguyen Thi Cuc. Photo: From the book "Letters North and South"

Handwriting of General Nguyen Chi Thanh in a letter to Mrs. Nguyen Thi Cuc. Photo: From the book "Letters North and South"

In 11/1965, Nguyen Chi Thanh wrote three letters to Hanoi, two of which were specifically addressed to his two eldest daughters. He consistently urged them to be diligent in their studies and work, kind to their friends, and to live honestly, respectfully, modestly, and with integrity. He also openly expressed his affection, ending the letters to his daughters with "Kisses. Love, Dad".

The letters offer a glimpse into the everyday thoughts and concerns of General Nguyen Chi Thanh. The book's introduction states: "We've heard stories, almost legendary yet true, of a high-ranking official carrying a subordinate across a stream or a military commander 'defending' a quan ho folk song. Now, reading these letters written between 49 and 69 years ago, we encounter the same Nguyen Chi Thanh, but in his longing for his wife's letters. He meticulously counts each one, compares the number sent with the number received, and worries about illness, anger, or bombings. We see a general who is relatable and endearing in his everyday life."

General Nguyen Chi Thanh and his son, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, at their home at 34 Ly Nam De Street, in 1963. Photo: From the book "Letters North and South"

General Nguyen Chi Thanh and his son, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, at their home at 34 Ly Nam De Street, in 1963. Photo: From the book "Letters North and South"

"Letters North and South" is part of the "General Thanh - General Vinh" book series, published by Omega+ in collaboration with the People's Army Publishing House. Other books in the series include "Stories about General Nguyen Chi Thanh," "Journey for Peace," and "Nguyen Chi Thanh - Perspectives from Posterity."

"Stories about General Nguyen Chi Thanh," edited by Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, compiles personal recollections from the author and family members, along with information from various sources. Each story offers a small but evocative glimpse into Nguyen Chi Thanh's personality, leadership, love for the people and soldiers, and his everyday life.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh's memoir, "Journey for Peace," provides a firsthand account of the Vietnam People's Army's involvement in the United Nations peacekeeping force and the army's efforts to implement a proactive national defense strategy. The book inspires faith in and responsibility for peace, especially among young people, fulfilling a long-held aspiration of Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, completed before his passing.

"Nguyen Chi Thanh: Perspectives from Posterity," compiled by journalist Bui Chi Trung and a team of authors, presents the general's life and career through the eyes of other generals, close colleagues, relatives, and farmers who interacted with him, highlighting his admirable qualities.

General Nguyen Chi Thanh, whose real name was Nguyen Vinh, was born on 1/1/1914. He held various positions, including Secretary of the Thua Thien Provincial Party Committee, member of the Central Committee of the Indochinese Communist Party, Secretary of the Central Region Party Committee, member of the National Liberation Front, member of the Viet Minh General Department, Secretary of the Interzone 4 Party Committee, Director of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, member of the Party Central Committee (terms I-III), and member of the Politburo (terms II and III). On 6/7/1967, he died suddenly of a heart attack during the intense fighting in the South.

Phuong Linh