Southeast Asia: An Introductory History - Softcover

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

This is a lively and lucid guide to Southeast Asia, written by one of the world's pre-eminent historians of the area. It features dedicated mailing and e-mail campaign to targeted history and travel related media. The first edition of "Southeast Asia" was published in 1979 and immediately filled a need for travellers and students interested in a tantalisingly different part of the world. Subsequent editions have continued to document with exceptional perception the radical changes and dramatic growth experienced in the region. Milton Osborne has been a resident, student and fascinated observer of Southeast Asia for over 40 years. This familiarity has resulted in a highly readable and lively chronicle. Whilst giving due regard to the early history of the region, Osborne concentrates on the changes that have taken place since the eighteenth 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. Clearly written and extensively illustrated, this fully revised edition of "Southeast Asia" remains a classic in the field.