Customer Reviews

The Traveller's History of Burma (Orchid Guides)

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This book is a collection of some 100 quotes culled from a variety of sources. The quotes are woven together by a text which covers roughly the 14th to the 20th century of the history of Burma, now called Myanmar. The result is a combination patchwork of facts and opinions that unfortunately are not only often incoherent but sometimes appear bias in nature For example, very little mention is made of the brutal 2 year war waged by the British to wrench control of Upper Burma from native hands. In this regard the reader cannot help but note what may be interpreted as a pro-British stance. Because of the disjointed nature of this Burma history I found it difficult to follow and ultimately tiresome. There is a bibliography of the works quoted as well as a list of the works which were consulted.

This volume assembles a wide range of travel writings on Burma many of which would be impossible for the nonspecialist to find. Mr Abbott has done a great service for Burmaphiles and armchair travellers alike. Only wish a hardcover were available. Buy this one!