A History of Brunei [Hardcover]

Graham Saunders (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 070071698X | ISBN-13: 978-0700716982 | Publication Date: October 25, 2002 | Edition: 2

The only full-length study of the Brunei Sultanate from the earliest times to the present. First published in 1994 and a sell-out success, RoutledgeCurzon is pleased to present this new edition, updated to the present. Saunders skilfully elucidates historiographical controversies over important events, persons and developments in Brunei's past which are still important issues in defining Brunei's identity and its political and social systems today. These controversies, over the antecedents of the Sultanate, the date of the conversion to Islam, the reigns of the early sultans, early contacts with Europeans and others, retain their relevance. Newly presented are interpretations of events since 1945 during the transition from protected state to full independence, and thence to the present Malay Islamic Monarchy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Dr. Saunders...provides many insights and, as an introduction to the state-of-the-art, it would be very difficult to improve upon A History of Brunei.' - Asian Affairs

'He (Dr. Saunders) provides a fine exposition of Brunei's early history and the source materials upon which it is based. He makes clear what he regards as factual, but does not neglect alternative interpretations. He demonstrates why certain myths have come to be believed in the sultanate and gives reasons for rejecting the historicity of those beliefs.' -   A.V.M Horton, Asian Affairs

About the Author

Graham Saunders taught history in Sarawak and Brunei for twenty years. He is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Hull, a member of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society and of the Borneo Research Council. He is an Associate Lecturer in Pacific Studies with the Open University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 2 edition (October 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 070071698X
• ISBN-13: 978-0700716982
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,701,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > History > Asia > Brunei

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars prosperous and content society, January 21, 2007

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This review is from: A History of Brunei (Hardcover)

Brunei is a tiny country that is one of the richest per capita in the world. Due to its vast reserves of oil and gas. Located on the island of Kalimantan, it bears closer resemblance to Kuwait and the Emirates of the Middle East, than to anywhere in south east Asia. Saunders gives us an indepth look at its history. How its royal family managed to keep the country independent. A notable achievement, considering that Malaysia and Indonesia are its neighbours. Malaysia managed to absorb its sultanates prior and during its independence from Britain. But even under British rule, Brunei was considered somewhat different from Malaya.

Saunders also describes the society that has emerged under the mostly benevolent rule of the Sultan of Brunei. Again, like the Emirates, the Sultan delivered a broad prosperity that garnered continuing consent to his rule. Certainly, the contrast between the average income in Brunei and that of Indonesia or Malaysia is vast. Of course, the small population and area of Brunei greatly aided the efficient dissemination of wealth.

The escapades of Prince Jefri are outlined. Some details are murky, due to veils of financial secrecy. But there was a period of heavy free spending that has now been sharply curtailed.