Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 684
Trim: 6¼ x 9½
978-1-5381-0182-7 • Hardback • March 2017 • $152.00 • (£117.00)
978-1-5381-0183-4 • eBook • March 2017 • $144.00 • (£111.00)
Donald M. Seekins is emeritus professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Meio University in Okinawa, Japan; he also is adjunct professor of History in the University of Maryland University College.
Editor’s Forward
Acknowledgements
A Note to Readers
Old and New Place Names
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Chronology
Introduction
The Dictionary
The Bibliography
About the Author
This comprehensive volume, an update of the 2006 edition with over 100 more pages, explores the social, political, religious, and cultural dimensions of 1,000 years of Burmese history. An excellent 48-page introduction guides the reader through the numerous regimes the country has known: a series of kingdoms, British rule beginning in the 19th century, Japanese occupation, independence in 1948, and various forms of unrest since. The 700 plus entries range from broad subjects (women in Burmese society, foreign investment, Buddhism) to narrow topics such as individual events of importance (elections for instance), locations (towns, rivers, etc.), and individuals of importance throughout Burmese history. The subject of Rohingyas, a frequent topic in today’s news, is also examined. Maps, a chronology, excellent cross-references within the text, and an extensive subject bibliography enhance the usability and add to the value of this source. This book will serve well any library population with an interest in world history or Southeast Asia. Academic libraries will be most likely to add it to their collections, but public and high school libraries should consider it as well.
— American Reference Books Annual
Though the history of Burma is little known in the West, this Dictionary, one of the largest in the series, demonstrates that it has been a turbulent one. It comprises more than 800 articles, of between 50 and 1,500 words, on personalities, places, organizations, ethnic groups, customs and events in Burmese history…. Throughout the book, readers will find many examples of the author’s comprehensive knowledge of Burma’s unusual culture.
— Reference Reviews