Customer Reviews

Hmong: History of a People

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It is unfortunate that there is no good history of the Hmong published in any Western language. Keith Quincy must be commended on his effort, but it is disappointing. He is not a professional historian. The first chapter in particular, ostensibly dealing with the Hmong experience in China, shows his unfamiliarity with Chinese history and inability to use Chinese sources. (The story of the "Hmong" king's defeat by China actually concerns the conquest of the Jinchuan people, who were not Hmong.) Quincy uncritically uses an unreliable account by F. Savina, _Histoire des Miao_ (Hong Kong, 1924). For a better study of Hmong in China see Robert Jenks, _Insurgency and Social Disorder in Guizhou_ (University of Hawaii Press, 1994). The rest of the book is a little better, but must be read with caution and cross-checked with other sources.

As time passes I learn more and more about SE Asia and the US involvement there over the past many years. My daughter in law (daughter) is Hmong. This book revealed a great deal for me and opens my mind to questions regarding the Hmong,Laos, and the US. This book is well written, an easy read, but shares a great deal of information in its few pages. I recommend this book to anyone interested in SE Asia and the folk who live there.

Like all the books about the Hmong, there will be at times glaring inaccuracies and mistakes in the material, and Quincy has taken a lot of heat over the years for his attempts to help the Hmong reconstruct their history, most of which was lost during the 4,000 years between their roots in ancient China and the 20th century.

Considered by most to be one of the less reliable texts to work from, I nevertheless found many interesting elements within it, that, when combined with additional research, yields some fine and fun reading.

It should definitely not be taken on its own- one should try and double check statements by using other materials, but most people who read this will feel inspired to study and learn more about the Hmong and their true histories, and that's not such a bad thing.

Mr. Quincy did an excellent job on putting this book together. I have not yet read a book by anyone who would have gone as far back as Mr. Quincy did with this book. As a little Hmong girl growing up, I have always been curious of where Hmong people really existed from. My father tried his best to educate me on who we- the Hmong people were. Many of what he taught me seemed to be unreal, until I read Hmong: History of A People. It really shocked me that what my father was telling me was actually in print! My suggestion to all the Hmong people out there is that EVERYONE should read this book. There is not a doubt in my mind that you will not gain a better understanding of where you came from. After I had finished reading the book, I was shocked to know that my Great-great-great-great Grandfather was the "Hmong King"- Nhia Vue Lee. My appreciation goes to Mr. Quincy and his desire in wanting to have a better understanding of our culture.

Okay. I don't like reading history books. But this is one book that you really need to check out. It isn't boring and if you are like me -- a Hmong American (of the newer generation obviously) and oblivious to the old generation and lacking in appreciation or knowledge of your background (if you are hmong) this is one awesome book that will set the records straight.

As for those who are just really interested.. well! This will reveal what most of the population don't know about the hmong; their brief history of where they are originally believed to be from up to their involvement in the vietnam war as to where they are now and some cultural background, too. This is a really awesome book compared to most books written about the hmong people that i've gone through.

Highly Recommended.

This book starts out with Hmong's history within China and preChina. From there, a few incidents of war in the Mountains and lowlands near the Yellow River procceeding to the Mountainous regions Southwest of China. The accounts of Chinese and Hmong interaction clearly verify that our history is hidden somewhere in Chinese history. The Time frame of the book is based from B.C periods to the present time of which the book is published. It's filled with Hmong Legends and Historical events; such as the French Indochina War, the Vietname War, and the Secret War after the Americans bail out on us; the Hmongs!

While reading this book, I discovered my family tree. One of the guy they mentioned was PaChay. His last name is Xiong. He is my great great Grandfather. Wow!

Anyways I shouldn't have said that but I'm a family guy. What can I say? I'm just showing some Hmong Pride here. It's in everyone's(Hmongs) Nature to show some pride!

Read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I recommend every Hmong to read this. First I checked it out from my University library, now I want to get a copy of myself.

Very informative, and fun as well. I am looking forward to Quincy's the next work, which I hear will be out in the fall of '99. I want to know more about how the war influenced the Hmong tribal culture, and how they influenced the war. I hear he answers these questions. No regrets for the time spent on this one. A winner.