A Short History of Asia, Second Edition [Paperback]

Colin Mason (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 2005 | ISBN-10: 1403936129 | ISBN-13: 978-1403936127 | Edition: Second Edition

The peoples of Asia now make up more than half of the world's population. They are increasingly well-educated, and successful in every area of modern trade and technology. Their influence in the rest of the world is also becoming greater. Colin Mason provides a readable and clear introduction to their history and traditions, from prehistory right up to the present day. This thoroughly revised, updated and expanded new edition includes the substantial changes and additions made necessary by the fast-changing scene in Asia, particularly China's increasing prominence in world affairs. There are new chapters on Afghanistan and Taiwan, and on World War Two and its significance in Asia, as well as extensive reworking of the chapters on the nations of South Asia. Maps and illustrations now also enrich the text throughout, making this the essential guide to the history of a fascinating continent and its peoples.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An authoritative, well-organised and well-written book."--D. R. SarDesai, Emeritus Professor of History, University of California Los Angeles

Praise for the first edition:

"Mason's history reaffirms or reveals many details and also broadly challenges persistent Western approaches to Asian history in an account that roams widely."--The Sydney Morning Herald

"What Mason assembles is a very impressive sweep of the history of a colossal portion of the world where he touches upon the main themes, events and personalities, peppered with numerous interesting stories and personal anecdotes. This ambitious undertaking is lucid and interesting, and most useful for the generalist reader seeking to understand the broad events of Asian history."-- Anthony L. Smith, New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies

About the Author

Colin Mason has been Chief Correspondent in Asia for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, a diplomat, a senator and leader of his party in the Senate.

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; Second Edition edition (October 20, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403936129
• ISBN-13: 978-1403936127
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #706,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great strating place, September 10, 2009

By 

M. Smith (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Short History of Asia, Second Edition (Paperback)

For anyone looking to get more than just a glance at some gorgeous history, this is a great starting point. Although the book claims to be a short history, one should already have a decent understanding of at least one of the countries in which to weave this intricate web of history around. In my case, my focus is Korea.

Allow this book to be the launching point in which to study a specific region or country. It lays the groundwork for future study by being brief yet detailed. The author holds your attention just long enough to paint a beautiful portrait.

Speaking of the author, if anyone should be qualified to write this book, it's Colin Mason. His journalistic approach to writing is elegant, thoughtful and diplomatic. Not to mention his personal stories that accompany some of the most interesting moments in modern Asian history. He keeps his opinions fairly grounded and objectively presents a striking history.

The book's faults include a horribly messy map, a small handful of unrelated photos and an occasional reference of huge importance that gets only two sentences. Otherwise, this chronological look at Asia is well worth your time. If you find the book boring, perhaps you are interesting in the wrong field.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The most informative and accessible book of its type, April 17, 2011

By 

Trash Winters "Disease of the Age" (Hellville) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Short History of Asia, Second Edition (Paperback)

I was assigned the second edition of this as a textbook long ago when I was in high school (back in the days when men were men and wild stallions still ran free).
It was perhaps the only high school textbook I had that I later went back and actually bought later. I read the whole thing, entranced by every page. Each chapter is short and only about a few pages, yet there is always a fairly logical and original explanation of the major historical phenomena discussed. Colin Mason knows his material by heart, and is excellent at explaining it. It is clear in the chapters on South Asian history in the 20th century that he is drawing from experience, and the personal narratives he injects into the work are suspenseful and exciting.
If there were to be any book I would recommend to someone whose travels or career bring them to an east Asian country, it would be this one. If there were to be any book I would recommend to someone looking for quick, accessible, informative nonfiction, it would also quite definitely be this one.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great text!, January 5, 2012

By 

Spleenking - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Short History of Asia, Second Edition (Paperback)

I am a teacher and currently use this book in my Topics in Asian History class. I find this book to be an excellent source of information that we augment with student discussion and research. Short concise explanations are given for many areas and in-depth analysis for more complicated topics are also addressed. I am very pleased with this text.