Southeast Asia: An Introductory History

by Milton Osborne

Overview

Now in its 11th edition, this lively and accessible guide to Southeast Asia written by one of the world's preeminent historians of the area remains a classic in its field

The first edition of this one-volume introductrion to the area was published in 1979 and immediately filled a need for readers interested in a tantalizingly different part of the world. Subsequent editions have continued to document with great perception the enormous changes and dramatic growth experienced in the region. Dr. Milton Osborne has been a resident, student, and fascinated observer of Southeast Asia for more than 40 years. This familiarity has resulted in a highly readable chronicle, ideal for travelers, students, and general history readers. While giving due regard to the early history of the region, Osborne concentrates on the changes that have taken place since the 18th century: the impact of colonial rule; economic transformations of the 19th and 20th centuries; the emergence and triumph of the independence movements; the impact of social change; and the pivotal roles played by religion, ethnic minorities, and immigrant groups. He also provides an introduction to the art of the region and a comprehensive guide to literature about Southeast Asia.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781743312674
Publisher:	Allen & Unwin
Publication date:	09/01/2013
Edition description:	Eleventh Edition, 11th edition
Pages:	352
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Milton Osborne is a writer and a consultant on Asian issues. He is the author of numerous books, including The Mekong: Turbulent Past, Uncertain Future and Phnom Penh: A Cultural History.

Table of Contents

Maps, graphs and diagrams ix

Introduction xiii

1 What is Southeast Asia? 1

2 The 'classical' background to modern Southeast Asian history 20

3 Courts, kings and peasants: Southeast Asia before the European impact 46

4 Minorities and slaves: the outsiders in Traditional Southeast Asia 67

5 The European advance and challenge 78

6 Economic transformation 103

7 The Asian immigrants in Southeast Asia 126

8 The years of illusion: Southeast Asia between the wars, 1918-41 147

9 The Second World War in Southeast Asia 177

10 Revolution and revolt: Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaya and the Philippines 202

11 Other paths to independence 231

12 An end to post-colonial settlements and beyond I: Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos 242

13 An end to post-colonial settlements and beyond II: Burma (Myanmar), Malaya, Singapore, the Philippines and the Thai exception 260

14 The challenges of independence in Southeast Asia 284

15 An overview of the present and recent past 308

Appendix: Discovering Southeast Asia through art and literature 337

Suggested readings 369

Timeline 398

Index 400

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Still one of the best short introductory histories to the region even after nine editions."  —Eric Tagliacozzo, Cornell University

Editorial Reviews

New edition of a survey of Southeast Asian modern history (previous edition, 1995). It does address the region's early history but concentrates on developments since the 18th century, including the impact of colonial rule, economic transformations, the emergence of independence movements, the impact of social change, and the role of religion, ethnic minorities, and immigrants. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews

"While deepening our understanding of Southeast Asia, this fine introduction reminds us of the importance of history itself." —Anthony Milner, Basham Professor of Asian History, Australian National University

From the Publisher