Bates, An Ancient Family Name, is a historical narrative of one branch of the Bates family. It begins in AD 1245 and follows the Clement Bates family branch to the present. The second half of this book deals with the military experiences of Clement Bates direct descendants, Robert S. Bates in World War II; the years between 1945 and the Viet Nam War of Robert Bates family and the life and military experiences in Viet Nam of Roberts son, Thomas. The narrative is a monologue of Thomas in his later years to his four grandsons two of whom are on the verge of starting out on their own life adventures.