Synopses & Reviews
A new, comprehensive, one volume history of Southeast Asia that spans prehistory to the present. Ricklefs brings together colleagues at the National University of Singapore whose expertise covers the entire region, encompassing political, social, economic, religious and cultural history.
Opening with an account of the ethnic groups and initial cultural and social structures of Southeast Asia, the book moves through the early ‘classical states, the arrival of new global religions and the impact of non-indigenous actors. The history of early modern states and their colonial successors is followed by analysis of World War II across the region, Offering a definitive account of decolonisation and early post-colonial nation-building, the text then transports us to modern-day Southeast Asia, exploring its place in a world recovering from the financial crisis. The distinguished author team provide an authoritative and accessible narrative, drawing upon the latest research and offering detailed guidance on further reading. A landmark contribution to the field, this is an essential text for scholars, students and anyone interested in Southeast Asia.
Review
"A New History of Southeast Asia will perform a service for Southeast Asian studies no less seminal than that rendered by D.G.E. Hall's pioneering volume some 55 years ago. It will provide Southeast Asian Studies with a new intellectual agenda, a new set of research questions, and a new instrument with which to instruct and stimulate the next generation. Without doubt, the appearance of this history text is itself an historic achievement." -- Victor Lieberman, Professor of History, University of Michigan
About the Author
M. C. RICKLEFS is Professor of History at the National University of Singapore. He is an historian of Indonesia.
BRUCE LOCKHART is Associate Professor of History at National University of Singapore.
ALBERT LAU is Associate Professor of History at National University of Singapore.
PORTIA REYES is a Lecturer in the Department of History at the National University of Singapore.
MAITRII AUNG-THWIN is Assistant Professor of Southeast Asian/Burmese History at the National University of Singapore.
Table of Contents
Preface by M. C. Ricklefs
Illustrations
Maps
Orthography
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Introduction
Ethnic Groups, Early Cultures and Social Structures
Early State Formation
'Classical' States at their Height
New Global Religions and Ideas, from the Thirteenth Century
The Rise of New States from the Fourteenth Century
Non-indigenous Actors New and Old
Early Modern Southeast Asian States
Colonial Communities c.1800-1900
Reform, New Ideas and the 1930s Crisis (c.1900-1942)
World War II in Southeast Asia (1942-1945)
Regaining Independence in the Decades After 1945
Building Nations to c.1990
Boom and Bust in Southeast Asia c.1990-2008
Southeast Asia Today
Recommended Readings
Bibliography
Index and Glossary