Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam

(Hardback, Third Edition)

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After being a British protectorate for about 96 years since the 1888 Treaty of Protection, the modern state of Negara Brunei Darussalam (Abode of Peace) eventually obtained its independence from Great Britain on 1 January 1984. Run by a royal family that established a kingdom in Brunei some 650 years ago, the first sultan, Muhammad Shah (Alak Betatar) was installed in c.1363. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the current ruler, is the 29th sultan of the lineage and is one of the richest men in the world. In spite of being called a mini-state, Brunei is well-known around the world because its population enjoys one of the highest gross national income per capita in the world, at an average of US$39,943 (2015) a year. This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Brunei Darussalam.

Reviews

This recent addition to the Historical Dictionary series by Rowman & Littlefield continues to provide excellent insights into largely unknown Brunei Darussalam. During this time of Google and Wikipedia it is wonderful for searchers to find an extensive and genuinely expert compilation of factual information that can support research projects. Content is well-focused on the country with restricted mentions of the region, and only as they relate to the Abode of Peace. Entries are well-focused on Brunei Darussalam people and places across many centuries of time. There is great depth of information that makes this a very good source for historical perspective, as well as for contemporary insights. The ultra-wealth of the nation, especially the ruling class, is explained with many entries about the modern era discovery of oil and even more recent development of natural gas as a huge export and source of income. About 60 pages follow the entries with appendixes A-E, a glossary, and an extensive bibliography that is packed with many further resources in 15 subcategories. This is a highly recommended addition to academic and research libraries, or any that serve users who seek international, political, ASEAN, South China Sea, or Southeast Asian information. * American Reference Books Annual *

Author Bio

Jatswan S. Sidhu s associate professor at the Department of International and Strategic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and he specializes in the history of Brunei and Myanmar (Burma).