A History of Myanmar Since Ancient Times

(Paperback, 2 updated and expanded ed)

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In A History of Myanmar since Ancient Times, Michael Aung-Thwin andMaitrii Aung-Thwin take us from the sacred stupas of the plains of Baganto the grand, colonial-era British mansions, revealing the storied past andrich culture of this country. The book traces the traditions and transformationsof Myanmar over nearly three millennia, from the relics of itsNeolithic civilization to the protests of Buddhist monks in the early twentiethcentury, the colonial era of British rule and the republic that followed.

The authors also consider the present-day life, culture and society of thelargest country in mainland Southeast Asia and examine the 2010 elections

Reviews

'This book is a bold and thought-provoking work that should be read by all serious students of Myanmar. It offers a major reinterpretation of Myanmar history, in part by relating broad historical trends to more recent developments.' - Dr Andrew Selth, Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 'This new book by two well-known historians provides a very good introduction to Myanmar's history from the premodern period to the present. The book is written in an engaging style ... But it is not just a superficial recounting of events. The authors examine longstanding discussions in academic circles about Myanmar's history, exploring, for example, the role of Buddhism, the reasons behind the rise and fall of its royal dynasties, and the impact of colonization and WWII on the country. Highly recommended.' - Choice 'An original research-based history of Myanmar through the centuries is long overdue. A History of Myanmar since Ancient Times is an essential volume for anyone seeking to understand the warp and woof of that little-known society today. Michael and Maitrii Aung-Thwin have gone back to original sources to explain the structure of Myanmar's history in a readable, but highly informed and original single volume.' - Robert H. Taylor, author of The State in Myanmar 'A strongly-argued book with a clearly stated perspective. This is a stimulating, often pugnacious reading of the history of Myanmar.' - Professor Ian Brown, Department of History, School of Oriental and African Studies

Author Bio

Michael Aung-Thwin is Chair and Professor of the Asian Studies Program at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He is the author of The Mists of Ramanna: The Legend that was Lower Burma (2005) and co-editor of New Perspectives on the History and Historiography of Southeast Asia: Continuing Explorations (2011). Maitrii Aung-Thwin is Associate Professor of Southeast Asian and Burmese History at the National University of Singapore. He is author of The Return of the Galon King: History, Law, and Rebellion in Colonial Burma (2011) and co-author of A New History of Southeast Asia (2010).