9781780231723
9781861899019
9781861899392
Distributed for Reaktion Books
A History of Myanmar since Ancient Times
Traditions and Transformations
In A History of Myanmar since Ancient Times, Michael Aung-Thwin and Maitrii Aung-Thwin take us from the sacred stupas of the plains of Pagan to grand, colonial-era British mansions, revealing the storied past and rich culture of this country. The book traces the traditions and transformations of Myanmar’s communities over nearly three millennia, from the relics of its Neolithic civilization to the splendors of its pre-colonial kingdoms, its encounters with British colonialism and the struggles for the republic that followed the end of World War II.
The authors also consider the complexities of present-day life in Myanmar and examine the key political events and debates of the last twenty-five years that have brought the world’s attention to the country. By exploring current developments within the broader patterns of Myanmar’s history, culture and society, they provide a nuanced perspective on the issues and questions surrounding Myanmar’s future.
This updated edition considers the changes that have taken place since the elections of 2010, the reforms that the civilian government introduced, and the ramifications of the country’s new international status. It also assesses the implications of the 2012 by-elections, the ensuing political dynamics among various stakeholders, and the continuing socio-economic challenges facing Myanmar in the twenty-first century.
The most comprehensive history of Myanmar ever published in the English language, this book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Southeast Asian history and will surprise, challenge, and inform in equal measure.
Reviews
Table of Contents
Timeline
Preface
Prologue: A Synthesis of Old and New
Introduction: A Different Perspective
1. The Setting
2. Prehistory
3. The Urban Period
4. Pagan: The Golden Age of Myanmar
5. Ava and Pegu: A Tale of Two Kingdoms
6. The ’Early Modern’ Experiment
7. Return to the ’Heartland’
8. The Last Myanmar Dynasty
9. Disintegration of the Burmese Kingdom 1824–1886
10. Reintegration and British Burma, 1886–1942
11. Fragmentation and the Union of Myanmar, 1942–1962
12. Reconstruction and Nation-Building, 1962–2011
Conclusion
References
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Preface
Prologue: A Synthesis of Old and New
Introduction: A Different Perspective
1. The Setting
2. Prehistory
3. The Urban Period
4. Pagan: The Golden Age of Myanmar
5. Ava and Pegu: A Tale of Two Kingdoms
6. The ’Early Modern’ Experiment
7. Return to the ’Heartland’
8. The Last Myanmar Dynasty
9. Disintegration of the Burmese Kingdom 1824–1886
10. Reintegration and British Burma, 1886–1942
11. Fragmentation and the Union of Myanmar, 1942–1962
12. Reconstruction and Nation-Building, 1962–2011
Conclusion
References
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index