Description
Burma has lived under military rule for nearly half a century. The results of its 1990 elections were never recognized by the ruling junta and Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Burma's pro-democracy movement, was denied her victory. She has been under house-arrest ever since. Now an economic satellite and political dependent of the People's Republic of China, Burma is at a crossroads. Will it become another North Korea, will it succumb to China's political embrace or will the people prevail? Michael Charney's book- the first general history of modern Burma in over five decades - traces the highs and lows of Burma's history from its colonial past to the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. By exploring key themes such as the political division between lowland and highland Burma and monastic opposition to state control, the author explains the forces that have made the country what it is today.
The first general history of modern Burma in over five decades.
About the Author
Michael Charney is Project Professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo and Reader in Southeast Asian and Imperial History at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Professor Charney is a historian of empire, technology and culture, whose research focuses on Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, with particular attention to Burma/Myanmar, Tanzania and Ghana.
Reviews
'Michael Charney's new book is a timely and very welcome contribution to the study of Burma or Myanmar. A History of Modern Burma is an accessible, well organized, and extensively researched account of Burma's recent past by one of today's leading scholars in the field. At a time of increasing international awareness of Burma, the book will be of interest not only to students and researchers but to anyone wanting to learn more about the country. Dr Charney offers a balanced and factual survey of modern Burmese history, drawing on his deep understanding of the country's past and a thorough knowledge of the existing literature.' Thant Myint-U
'An excellent work that deals with the period from the annexation of Upper Burma by the British in 1886 until the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. The focus is on the period from the 1930s, as self-government was gained in 1937. Charney, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at SOAS, is well-qualified to write this work and he offers a careful account, one that is particularly nuanced in its coverage of the civil conflict and totalitarianism of recent years.' Jeremy Black, The Historian
'Charney, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at SOAS, is well-qualified to write this work and he offers a careful account, one that is particularly nuanced in its coverage of the civil conflict and totalitarianism of recent years.' The Historical Association
Awards
Winner of Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2009.
Book Information
ISBN 9780521617581
Author Michael W. Charney
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 410g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 14mm
The first general history of modern Burma in over five decades.
About the Author
Michael Charney is Project Professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo and Reader in Southeast Asian and Imperial History at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Professor Charney is a historian of empire, technology and culture, whose research focuses on Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, with particular attention to Burma/Myanmar, Tanzania and Ghana.
Reviews
'Michael Charney's new book is a timely and very welcome contribution to the study of Burma or Myanmar. A History of Modern Burma is an accessible, well organized, and extensively researched account of Burma's recent past by one of today's leading scholars in the field. At a time of increasing international awareness of Burma, the book will be of interest not only to students and researchers but to anyone wanting to learn more about the country. Dr Charney offers a balanced and factual survey of modern Burmese history, drawing on his deep understanding of the country's past and a thorough knowledge of the existing literature.' Thant Myint-U
'An excellent work that deals with the period from the annexation of Upper Burma by the British in 1886 until the devastation of Cyclone Nargis in 2008. The focus is on the period from the 1930s, as self-government was gained in 1937. Charney, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at SOAS, is well-qualified to write this work and he offers a careful account, one that is particularly nuanced in its coverage of the civil conflict and totalitarianism of recent years.' Jeremy Black, The Historian
'Charney, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History at SOAS, is well-qualified to write this work and he offers a careful account, one that is particularly nuanced in its coverage of the civil conflict and totalitarianism of recent years.' The Historical Association
Awards
Winner of Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2009.
Book Information
ISBN 9780521617581
Author Michael W. Charney
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 410g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 14mm
