Page 397 - The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

Books CONTEXTS 395
a useful continuation to Thant Myint-U’s history (see nationwide British rule. Thant Myint-U’s unravelling of the
below). Full of interesting detail, and particularly good on intricate social and economic structures of Myanmar under
the post-1962 period. kings Mindon and Thibaw is an academic tour de force,
Richard Cockett Blood, Dreams and Gold: The Changing while accounts of the Machiavellian intrigues, infighting
Face of Burma. A detailed look into Mynamar’s history, and palace coups at the royal court add welcome spice.
politics and culture over the past century, from the British ★ Thant Myint-U The River of Lost Footsteps: A Personal
colonial period (including particularly good coverage of History of Burma. Easily the best general introduction to the
colonial Rangoon) through to military rule and the pro- history of Myanmar, Thant Myint-U’s superb “personal
democracy movement. history” covers the country from ancient times to the
Thant Myint-U The Making of Modern Burma. Microscopic present, combining exemplary scholarship, vivid prose and
examination of the history of Myanmar between the latter razor-sharp insights into a superbly readable and
days of the Konbaung dynasty and the establishment of informative whole.
MEMOIRS
David V. Donnison Last of the Guardians: A Story of boyhood in a remote Padaung village, his years as a rebel
Burma, Britain and a Family. Enjoyable portrait of life in guerrilla fighter in the 1990s and, eventually, his escape to
colonial Burma between 1923 and World War II, based on Europe and graduation from the University of Cambridge.
the memoirs of Donnison’s parents. An unrivalled portrait of life among Myanmar’s repressed
James Mawdsley The Heart Must Break: The Fight for minorities.
Democracy and Truth in Burma. Gripping account of Zoya Phan Little Daughter: A Memoir of Survival in Burma
British activist James Mawdsley’s fight for democracy in and the West. Simple but affecting memoir by Kayin
Myanmar and his fourteen months spent in jail there in refugee Zoya Phan, describing her family’s flight from their
1999–2000. native village in 1994 and the following two years spent
Pascal Khoo Thwe From The Land of Green Ghosts: A dodging Burmese armed forces, before her eventual escape
Burmese Odyssey. Lyrical memoir describing the author’s to Thailand and the West.
CULTURE AND COOKERY
Naomi Duguid Burma: River of Flavors. This attractive Robert Carmack & Morrison Polkinghorne The
cookbook provides a good introduction to Burmese cuisine, Burma Cookbook: Recipes from the Land of a Million
with solid coverage of basic ingredients and cooking Pagodas. Original and enjoyable cookery book featuring
techniques as well as recipes, plus lovely photos of the dozens of colonial-era recipes alongside good coverage of
country to boot. contemporary dishes and cooking techniques, all lavishly
Myat Yin Saw CultureShock! Myanmar: A Survival Guide to illustrated with a mix of modern photographs and colonial
Customs and Etiquette. Handy introduction to Burmese prints.
culture, customs and manners, plus plenty of general
background on the country.

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