Comic book on President Ho Chi Minh: A gift from Italy
The republished book about President Ho Chi Minh and the two great resistance wars of the Vietnamese people, authored by two Italian writers, is expected to bring a heartfelt gift to readers on this special occasion.
THE HANOI TIMES — The book, originally titled Ho Chi Minh: Un Uomo e un Popolo (Ho Chi Minh: A Man and a People) in Italian, was first published in 1968 in Vie Nuove (New Roads), the official publication of the Italian Communist Party at the time.
The comic book is entitled Ho Chi Minh: A Man and a Nation, published by Kim Dong Publishing House. Photo courtesy of the publishing house.
Now, 56 years later, the book has been translated into Vietnamese and introduced to local readers under the title Ho Chi Minh: A Man and a Nation in celebration of President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th birthday (May 19, 1890 - 2025).
The book is a compilation of articles originally published in twelve issues of the Italian magazine Vie Nuove. Each article covers a different topic in historical sequence. The work, authored by journalists Paolo Bracaglia Morante and Camillo Pisani, is brought vividly to life through powerful illustrations by artist Pino Dangelico and a rich selection of historically significant archival photographs.
The comic book is a gift from Italy to the Vietnamese people in honor of President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th birthday.
The book chronicles the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. It begins with his early years as Nguyen Sinh Cung, when he witnessed the harshness of the feudal and French colonial regimes. Then, it details his transformation into Nguyen Ai Quoc and, ultimately, Ho Chi Minh, who became the guiding light of Vietnam’s revolutionary cause, leading the nation to independence and glory.
In the book's foreword, Tran Thanh Quyet, Vice President and general secretary of the Vietnam-Italy Friendship Association, and Renato Darsiè, President of the Italy-Vietnam Friendship Association in the Veneto region, write:
"This humble book is a spiritual offering from our Italian friends who have long admired President Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary path, life, and ideals. He is one of the enduring symbols of humanity’s yearning for independence, freedom, and peace."
The cover of the comic book Ho Chi Minh – A Man and a Nation.
"Written through the lens of Italian journalists and artists since 1968 and born from the deep affection that international friends have held for Vietnam during its most challenging historical moments, we hope this work serves as a bridge. It's expected to allow today's readers to connect more profoundly with the image of a man and a nation and cherish the enduring values of humanism and peace."
According to Associate Professor Dr. Dinh Quang Hai, the picture book offers a new perspective backed by a variety of reliable documents.
"The book has been meticulously researched, thoughtfully compiled, and presented with great care and seriousness," he remarked. "I highly appreciate its historical and educational value, especially in fostering awareness among the younger generation."
