49 pages • 1 hour read
William J. Lederer, Eugene BurdickThe Ugly American
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1958A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Ugly American by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick is a satirical novel focusing on the ineffective and culturally insensitive American presence in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Sarkhan during the early years of the Vietnam War. It contrasts the blundering U.S. Ambassador Louis Sears with the competent Russian Ambassador Louis Krupitzyn, highlighting the Americans' failure to understand and engage with the local culture.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Ugly American by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick offers a critical look at American foreign policy through engaging storytelling. Reviews commend its insightful portrayal of cultural arrogance and bureaucratic inefficiency, though some criticize its dated perspectives and one-dimensional characters. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking, impactful read.
Who Should Read The Ugly American?
Readers with a keen interest in political science, international relations, and Cold War history will enjoy The Ugly American by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick. Fans of Graham Greene's The Quiet American or George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia may find its critical insight into American foreign policy compelling.