Customer Reviews

Cambodia, 1975-1978

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A balanced, objective account of the Cambodian revolution that provides a global picture of the extraordinary and horrifying events that took place in this small country between 1975 and 1978. Fascinating essays are included on topics as diverse as the Khmer Rouge economy, ideology, and power structure, as well as the social and psychological makeup of Cambodia, the intellectual origins of the Khmer Rouge, and the pattern and scope of the almost unbelievable violence perpetrated by the revolutionary army and government. This book is refreshingly thorough and unemotional. The authors allow the facts to speak for themselves. The only drawback is the often leaden writing of Timothy Carney, a contributor of two essays. A selection of photographs is also included.

This collection of essays about the Pol Pot Regime is an invaluable resource for a student of that period. It is not a very good historical overview (read Chandler's book for that), but it provides several excellent sources for analyses of specific sides of the DK regime. Particularly interesting (for me, anyway) were the chapters on the intellectual origins of the Khmer Rouge, a topic that is often mentioned but rarely explored with the depth found here.

Kenneth Quinn, one of the contributors, finished an appointment as US ambassador to Cambodia in July 1999.

This is probably the best collection of essays you will find on the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. A limited number of expert contributions cover all aspects of the Khmer Rouge: its history, origins, ideology, use of terror, organization, and economy. A sizeable number of photographs compiled by David Hawk are included showing aspects of the atrocities perpetrated on its own people by the Khmer Rouge. One familiar but chilling photo shows the mountain of bones unearthed in a single mass grave. The Khmer Rouge reign of less than four years caused the death of more than 20 percent of Cambodians.

The success of the book is based on the limited number of contributors and their ability to express what they mean in clear, concise language. Three of the contributors are Foreign Service Officers -- Kenneth Quinn, Timothy Carney, and Charles Twinan -- who lived in Cambodia, spoke Cambodian, and are true experts on the country and the Khmer Rouge revolution. The editor also contributes two good essays -- and includes three lengthy Khmer Rouge documents in the appendices which will be of interest for readers who want to see what the KR had to say for itself. Francois Ponchaud, a French missionary who wrote the ground-breaking eye-witness account of the Khmer Rouge coming to power, "Year Zero," also contributes an essay. Read together or separately these essays and photos will give you a well rounded and accurate picture of the Khmer Rouge and its rule. It's a sad and sordid story of the most bizarre government of the 20th century.

Smallchief

The nine essays which comprise Jackson's book offer a chillingly descriptive account of the Khmer Rouge and the destruction they brought to Cambodian society. Even if you are a Cambodia "novice" (as I am) you will still find this book easy to understand and chock-full of valuable information. The 250 pages of actual text in this book were so well written and "user-friendly" that I was able to read it all in one sitting.

The literature on the Khmer Rouge is overwhelmed with memoirs and accounts of what happened. This book tries to show "why"and "how" the Khmer Rouge happened. The contributors discuss the group's ideology, governing mechanisms, and personalistic relations. Some of the articles provide very useful charts on the structure of government and names of key ministers (information I haven't seen elsewhere). Even though the book is already 16 years old, it is not outdated and is superior to more recent works (such as Philip Short's halfhearted attempts to psychoanalyze Pol Pot). This will be THE book on the Khmer Rouge for many years to come.