Ok so my dads birthday is comming up soon and I want to get him 2 books. First is one on the Civil War but more specifically one about the South Seceding for merely economic reasons... if that makes sense. Thats what hes really into atm. The second is anything interesting about his other favorite topic the Vietnam War. ANY suggestions would be great! Thanks so much.
Sounds like he's into the 'lost cause'; for his sake, get him Battle Cry of Freedom. Best book I've ever read on the ACW.
Specifically on secession, he might benefit from reading Charles Dew's Apostles of Disunion. It's an exploration of secession through the activity of the commissioners that the Lower South sent around to plead their case in other slave states. Lots of primary sources and pretty short.
If he hasn't read A Rumour of War he really should.
Really interesting book from the perspective of an officer who fought in it.
I also found the book Vietnam by Christian G. Appy to be of interest, as it is comprised of interviews with both sides of the conflict at all levels.
On Vietnam, based on your description, consider Black April: The Fall of South Vietnam, 1973-75.