In 1985, Rabe meticulously curated an anthology of plays titled Coming to Terms: American Plays and the Vietnam War. This remarkable collection showcases not only his own Streamers, but also a diverse array of works from notable playwrights. Among these are Tom Cole's gripping Medal of Honor Rag, Amlin Gray's inventive How I Got That Story, Emily Mann's poignant Still Life, Terrence McNally's provocative Botticelli, Stephen Metcalf's intriguing Strange Snow, and Michael Weller's evocative Moonchildren.

Noteworthy Contrasts

Supplementing Rabe's collection are plays offering intriguing contrasts. Megan Terry's groundbreaking work Viet Rock (1967) stands alongside Christopher Durang's satirical The Vietnamization of New Jersey (1978), Arthur Kopit's compelling Indians (1968), and Lanford Wilson's reflective The Fifth of July (1979). Also enriching this tapestry are Ronald Ribman's somber The Burial of Esposito (1971), Robert Patrick's nostalgic Kennedy’s Children (1976), and David Berry's impactful G. R. Point (1980).

Essential Nonfiction

The Vietnam War has been a fertile ground for nonfiction exploration, with Tim O’Brien standing out through his unforgettable narratives, including If I Die in a Combat Zone Box Me Up and Ship Me Home (1973), the haunting Going after Cacciato (1978), and the profound The Things They Carried (1990). Equally significant are Joe Haldeman's earnest War Year (1972), Philip Caputo's piercing A Rumor of War (1977), Neil Sheehan's insightful A Bright Shining Lie (1988), Michael Herr's vivid Dispatches (1968), and Ron Kovic's stirring Born on the Fourth of July (1976).

Poetic Expressions

The emotional landscape of the Vietnam War is further explored in poetry penned by veterans, collected in the anthology Winning Hearts and Minds (1972), offering raw and heartfelt reflections from those who experienced the conflict firsthand.