A Short History of Laos: The land in between

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Laos, perhaps the least known country in mainland Southeast Asia, stands at the region's crossroads. This small "land in between" is surrounded by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Burma - countries that, in pre-modern times, provided Lao kings with a field for territorial expansion. But more often, Laos has been a bridge between these powerful neighbours, and an arena in which they and their allies have interfered. In this book, Grant Evans brings Lao history into focus. From ancient times when the dynastic states of the region waxed and waned, to the 20th century and the turmoil of independence from France and the Vietnam War and its aftermath, Evans traces the compelling story of the emergence of Laos as a modern nation. The book is an ideal introduction to Laos for travellers, businesspeople and students. For those familiar with Lao history, Evans investigates key events in new ways and presents serious challenges to conventional views about Laos' intriguing history.

Author Bio

Grant Evans is a sociologist and historian of Southeast Asia, currently teaching at the University of Hong Kong. He has written widely on Southeast Asia. Milton Osborne has had an association with the Asian region for over 40 years as an academic, public servant and Independent writer. He is the author of eight books on Asian topics, including. Southeast Asia: An introductory history, first published in 1979 and now in its eighth edition, and, most recently, The Mekong: Turbulent Past, Uncertain Future, published in 2000.