A History of Early Modern Southeast Asia, 1400–1830

by Barbara Watson Andaya

Written by two experienced teachers with a long history of research, this textbook provides students with a detailed overview of developments in early modern Southeast Asia, when the region became tightly integrated into the world economy because of international demand for its unique forest and sea products. Proceeding chronologically, each chapter covers a specific time frame in which Southeast Asia is located in a global context. A discussion of general features that distinguish the period under discussion is followed by a detailed account of the various sub-regions. Students will be shown the ways in which local societies adapted to new religious and political ideas and responded to far-reaching economic changes. Particular attention is given to lesser-known societies that inhabited the seas, the forests, and the uplands, and to the role of the geographical environment in shaping the region's history. The authoritative yet accessible narrative features maps, illustrations, and timelines to support student learning. A major contribution to the field, this text is essential reading for students and specialists in Asian studies and early modern world history.

Genres: History, Asia, Nonfiction

378 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2014

About the author

Barbara Watson Andaya is an Australian historian and author who studies Indonesia and Maritime Southeast Asia. She has also done extensive research on women's history in Southeast Asia, and of late, on the localization of Christianity in the region. She teaches courses in Asian Studies as a full professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and is director of the University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies. She was President of the American Association for Asian Studies from 2005 to 2006.

Reviews

[Jason Friedlander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is objectively an outstanding history book with such a grand scope and range that it can only be utterly admired. It doesn’t feel right to give this less than five stars, however, I have to note that I think it’s best approached as reference material, as opposed to being read straight through. It’s really dense and packed with loads of information and I’m sure I’ll intermittently return to it as I continue my studies on the region.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely excellent overview history of the region in this time period. I could definitely see myself using this as a textbook or reference book in teaching Southeast Asian history survey courses in the future.

[Thavakumar Kandiahpillai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essentially a textbook. Compehensive, but heavy reading. Explains the how and why the region got to where it is today before the advent of colonialism.