For most of the first millennium until the early 10th century, the northern half of Vietnam remained a province of Imperial China, with brief periods of independence. In 938, the country regained its sovereignty, but within a few decades, the Song dynasty invaded. From that time until the late 13th century, Vietnam - then known as Đại Cồ Việt and later Đại Việt - fought to defend its territory against the Song, again, and along with Champa, against the Mongol-led Yuan dynasties. This book, Volume 3A, explores the key events of this turbulent period.

The author visited most of the sites mentioned in the book to collect materials for this volume. Dr Đỗ Thị Thùy Lan, Senior Lecturer of the Department of History, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, reviewed and provided valuable feedback. Dr James A. Anderson, Associate Professor of the Department of History, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, contributed the foreword. He concludes:

"Tan Pham's account of 10th- to 13th-century Vietnamese history offers a detailed, well-researched narrative that goes beyond the typical nationalist interpretations of the past. By presenting a balanced and nuanced view of Vietnam's historical interactions with China and the Cham civilization, Pham provides readers with valuable insights into the values and motivations that shaped this period. These insights are not just of academic interest; they offer guidance for understanding current geopolitical dynamics and for navigating the complex relationships that will shape our future. As we look to the past for the values that can guide us forward, Pham's work stands as a crucial resource, illuminating the path with a clear and thoughtful examination of history."

This book is one of four volumes covering the period of Vietnamese history from the 10th to the 16th centuries. The other volumes are 3B, 3C and 3D of the book series A Traveller's Story of Vietnam's Past. They continue where Volume II, One Thousand Years - The Stories of Giao Châu, the Kingdoms of Linyi, Funan and Zhenla, and Volume I, The Bronze Drums and The Earrings end. The book has 360 pages and contains 99 figures and illustrations.