Southeast Asia: An Introductory History

Southeast Asia, now in a fully revised and updated sixth edition, has been the most widely read introduction to the region for over a decade and retains its reputation as a highly readable survey of Southeast Asia's modern history. Clearly written and extensively illustrated with maps, prints and photographs, it has been brought up-to-date following the author's recent trip to the region.While giving due importance to the early history of Southeast Asia, Dr. Osborne concentrates on the changes that have taken place since the eighteenth century. He surveys vital developments like the impact of colonial rule, economic transformation in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and the emergence and triumph of independence movements, also paying attention to social change and to the role played by ethnic minorities and immigrant groups in the various countries. There is even an introduction to the art and literature of the region. This is an easily read and lively account well suited to readers making their first contact with a geographical and political area of great diversity.