A Short History of Asia by Colin Mason
The peoples of Asia now make up more than half of the world's population. They are increasingly well-educated, and successful in every area of modern trade and technology. Their influence in the rest of the world is also becoming greater. Colin Mason provides a readable and clear introduction to their history and traditions, from prehistory right up to the present day. This thoroughly revised, updated and expanded new edition includes the substantial changes and additions made necessary by the fast-changing scene in Asia, particularly China's increasing prominence in world affairs. There are new chapters on Afghanistan and Taiwan, and on World War Two and its significance in Asia, as well as extensive reworking of the chapters on the nations of South Asia. Maps and illustrations now also enrich the text throughout, making this the essential guide to the history of a fascinating continent and its peoples.
'An authoritative, well-organised and well-written book' - D. R. SarDesai, Emeritus Professor of History, University of California Los Angeles, USA International praise for the current edition: 'A former foreign correspondent, broadcaster and diplomat, Mason has actually lived in Asia rather than observed it from afar. With this wealth of experience...he has the confidence to inject anecdote and a real feeling for recent history.' - Ed Peters, South China Morning Post 'Mason's history reaffirms or reveals many details and also broadly challenges persistent Western approaches to Asian history in an account that roams widely.' - The Sydney Morning Herald 'The book is quite a remarkable achievement. Mason has covered a great deal of territory and shows that he has both a sense of the current dynamics of Asia and a command of the considerable scholarly literature on the earlier period. The work raises a good many interesting themes to which students would respond positively.' - Merle Ricklefs, Australian National University 'What Mason assembles is a very impressive sweep of the history of a colossal portion of the world where he touches upon the main themes, events and personalities, peppered with numerous interesting stories and personal anecdotes. This ambitious undertaking is lucid and interesting, and most useful for the generalist reader seeking to understand the broad events of Asian history.' - Anthony L. Smith, New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies 'This book will benefit all general readers and first-year undergraduates who are embarking on Asian Studies as part of a multi-disciplinary programme.' - Burjor Avari, Contemporary South Asia 'Succinct, wide ranging and very readable. Ideally suited for the first year undergraduate with little previous exposure to Asian history.' - James Chiriyankandath, London Guildhall University 'Mason's account is readable and is influenced by his experiences as a foreign correspondent, broadcaster, diplomat and parliamentarian.' - Peter Lowe, University of Manchester, HER
COLIN MASON has been Chief Correspondent in Asia for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, a diplomat, a senator and leader of his party in the Senate.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781403936127 |
| ISBN 10 | 1403936129 |
| Title | A Short History of Asia |
| Author | Colin Mason |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Palgrave USA |
| Year published | 2005-11-12 |
| Number of pages | 328 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |