Southeast Asia: An Introductory History [Paperback]

Milton Osborne (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2005 | ISBN-10: 1741144485 | ISBN-13: 978-1741144482 | Edition: 9th

This classic work has been the most widely read introduction to the region for more than 20 years and still retains its reputation as a highly readable survey of Southeast Asia's modern history. This newly revised edition is up to date with the constant political and geographical changes in this fluid region of the world. The impact of social change and the pivotal roles played by religion, ethnic minorities, and immigrant groups is illuminated. Clearly written and extensively illustrated with maps, prints, and photographs, the book also includes an introduction to the art of the region and a guide to literature about Southeast Asia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Milton Osborne is the author of many books on history and politics in Southeast Asia including Exploring Southeast Asia, The Mekong, River Road to China, and Sihanouk. He presents seminars and lectures to academic and professional bodies throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Product Details

• Paperback: 366 pages
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin; 9th edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1741144485
• ISBN-13: 978-1741144482
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #974,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 4 1/2 Actually, Great Introduction to the region, May 13, 2005

By 

Hoke (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Southeast Asia: An Introductory History (Paperback)

I am living in Thailand for the next two years and wanted to learn as much as I could about it. In order to understand Thailand one needs to be familiar with the whole region.

I consider myslef educated as far as history is concerned but am very weak in this region. This book serves as a very good introduction to the entire area. The author covers early times rather quickly and moves through to modern times at a decent pace.

The book left me with a lot more questions than answers. These questions are at least somewhat informed. The author sparked my interests in a lot of different periods for the various countries. The whole point of an introduction is to raise intelligent questions rather than going in depth. The author does this very well.

Speed readers will like the intro and summary for each chapter. The book is highly readable and the author is ready to admit areas where he does not have an expertise.

The 1/2 star minus is for the very brief mention of the 1997 economic crisis and its results. By now he can at least lend his opinion on the newly emerging history of that significant period.

Author also gives a good listing of suggested reading. This was not updated in the most recent addition and he does not give any good sources to further explore the most recent events

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, useful - even entertaining, May 2, 2008

By 

Jeremy Brown "Jeremy" (Houston, TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Southeast Asia: An Introductory History (Paperback)

This book is a great resource -- easy to read and very useful. Great if you have little background (like me) with Southeast Asia

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not much ventured, not much gained., September 29, 2005

By 

Richard A. Church - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Southeast Asia: An Introductory History (Paperback)

Despite being a very short sketch of SE Asian history, the book seems padded with endless cautionary asides presumably directed at the professional historical establishment apologizing for venturing any assertions about anything. The book could have been shortened by half without missing a thing. Still worth reading, however, for no other reason than everyone else has read it.