Overview

In A History of Myanmar since Ancient Times, Michael Aung-Thwin and Maitrii Aung-Thwin take us from the sacred stupas of the plains of Pagan to the grand, colonial-era British mansions, revealing the storied past and rich culture of this country. The book traces the traditions and transformations of Myanmar’s communities over nearly three millennia, from the relics of its Neolithic civilization to the splendors of its pre-colonial kingdoms, its encounters with British colonialism and the struggles for the republic that followed the end of the Second World War. The authors also consider the complexities of present-day life in Myanmar and examine the key political events and debates of the last 25 years that have brought the world’s attention to the country. By exploring current developments within the broader patterns of Myanmar’s history, culture and society, the book provides a nuanced perspective on the issues and questions surrounding Myanmar’s future.  This updated edition considers the changes that have taken place since the elections of 2010, the reforms that the civilian government introduced and the ramifications of the country’s new international status. It also assesses the implications of the 2012 by-elections, the ensuing political dynamics among various stakeholders and the continuing socio-economic challenges facing Myanmar in the twenty-first century.  The most comprehensive history of Myanmar ever published in the English language, this book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Southeast Asian history and will surprise, challenge and inform in equal measure.

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9781780233352

Table of Contents

Reviews

Matthew Smith contributes a highly engaging and important historical perspective to the alleged epidemic in hyperactivity. His book is a masterfully written account that challenges us to think critically about how our modern culture has given rise to a sub-population of children with allegedly disruptive behaviours. At the core of this book Smith boldly asks whether such actions deserve to be better treated or simply better understood. -- Erika Dyck, University of Saskatchewan Matthew Smith dramatically presents the tangled history of a highly conflicted topic, perceptively examining pertinent biological, psychological, and social theories, professional authority, and pharmaceutical marketing, in the light of the day-to-day realities faced by schools, physicians, parents, and children labeled as hyperactive. For anyone personally or professionally concerned with ADHD, this book demonstrates how critically important it is for us to understand the issue in its historical context. -- Rima D. Apple, University of Wisconsin-Madison Matthew Smith persuasively demonstrates the historical contingency of our ideas about hyperactivity. Well written, complex yet sharply argued, this book is a sorely needed corrective to today's therapeutic 'common sense' and the ocean of pharmaceuticals it sanctions. -- David Herzberg, University at Buffalo (SUNY) Hyperactive is a well-researched, well-organized, and well-written history of the development of the highly variable perception, understanding, and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Smith provides a logically strong argument for considering ADHD as a highly complex disorder arising from a number of contributing variables. . . . The author's critical analysis and global view and interpretation--all free of any discernible bias--make his arguments compelling. . . . What makes this work outstanding is its readability and continuity of story line. . . . Essential. -- Choice As Matthew Smith demonstrates in this excellent study, there is arguably no more contentious childhood condition than hyperactivity or ADHD. Since the term was first introduced in the decades following the Second World War, hyperactivity has been variably explained in terms of genetic constitution, faulty parenting, an inability to cope with the pace and pressure of modern life, and increased sensitivity to food additives. Hyperactive explores debates about the biological, social and cultural contours of a condition that continues to puzzle doctors, frustrate teachers, and destroy families. It will surely be of value not only to historians of medicine, but also to the parents, teachers, psychiatrists and policy-makers involved in the daily struggle to cope with hyperactive children. -- Mark Jackson, University of Exeter

Matthew Smith contributes a highly engaging and important historical perspective to the alleged epidemic in hyperactivity. His book is a masterfully written account that challenges us to think critically about how our modern culture has given rise to a sub-population of children with allegedly disruptive behaviours. At the core of this book Smith boldly asks whether such actions deserve to be better treated or simply better understood. --Erika Dyck, University of Saskatchewan Matthew Smith dramatically presents the tangled history of a highly conflicted topic, perceptively examining pertinent biological, psychological, and social theories, professional authority, and pharmaceutical marketing, in the light of the day-to-day realities faced by schools, physicians, parents, and children labeled as hyperactive. For anyone personally or professionally concerned with ADHD, this book demonstrates how critically important it is for us to understand the issue in its historical context. --Rima D. Apple, University of Wisconsin-Madison Matthew Smith persuasively demonstrates the historical contingency of our ideas about hyperactivity. Well written, complex yet sharply argued, this book is a sorely needed corrective to today's therapeutic 'common sense' and the ocean of pharmaceuticals it sanctions. --David Herzberg, University at Buffalo (SUNY) Hyperactive is a well-researched, well-organized, and well-written history of the development of the highly variable perception, understanding, and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Smith provides a logically strong argument for considering ADHD as a highly complex disorder arising from a number of contributing variables. . . . The author's critical analysis and global view and interpretation--all free of any discernible bias--make his arguments compelling. . . . What makes this work outstanding is its readability and continuity of story line. . . . Essential. --Choice As Matthew Smith demonstrates in this excellent study, there is arguably no more contentious childhood condition than hyperactivity or ADHD. Since the term was first introduced in the decades following the Second World War, hyperactivity has been variably explained in terms of genetic constitution, faulty parenting, an inability to cope with the pace and pressure of modern life, and increased sensitivity to food additives. Hyperactive explores debates about the biological, social and cultural contours of a condition that continues to puzzle doctors, frustrate teachers, and destroy families. It will surely be of value not only to historians of medicine, but also to the parents, teachers, psychiatrists and policy-makers involved in the daily struggle to cope with hyperactive children. --Mark Jackson, University of Exeter

Author Information

Maitrii Aung-Thwinis Associate Professor of Southeast Asian and Burmese History at the National University of Singapore. He is author of The Return of the Galon King: History, Law, and Rebellion in Colonial Burma (2011) and co-author of A New History of Southeast Asia (2010).

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