'This is a second, revised edition of a general history which, since its first appearance in 1982, has become the leader in its field. The authors have retained much of the content of their first edition, but have made significant alterations and additions to bring in the data and analysis of many subjects found in the extensive research and writing of the past twenty years...Students and their teachers will find the new edition a recognizable but considerably revised successor to the original. They will share with the general reader food for thought about Malaysia, ancient and modern. The historical narrative is comprehensive, with very adequate coverage of East Malaysia, impeccable in its scholarship, and clear in its exposition. The annotation is rather sparse but this is supplemented by notes for further reading for each chapter which are historiographical essays. The index, glossary and maps are useful. It is altogether an excellent book.' - John Gullick, Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society 'In revising their earlier work, already widely acknowledged as a 'standard reference', the authors have rewritten parts of many chapters to incorporate new work on Malaysian history published since the 1980s...so that this new edition encompasses major political events and socio-economic developments from the earliest human settlements up to the present. No other work on Malaysian history covers such a long period...The general reader will find it interesting and students of Malaysian history will find it exceedingly useful. - Tan Liok Ee, The Star 'This second edition incoporates recent findings and amplifies by some 30 pages the period since the Japanese invasion in 1941. Authoritative, stimulating and up to date, this remains the first port of call for scholars, students and any traveller seeking to discover Malaysia's history.' - A.J. Stockwell, Times Higher Education Supplement 'This is the best general history of Malaysia to appear to date.' - A.J. Stockwell, History 'This ... book is ideal for introductory university use ... (The authors) write with impeccable objectivity without ducking the historical dimension of sensitive present-day issues like race relations.' - Dennis Duncanson, Asian Affairs

First published in 1982, this text is widely regarded as a leading general history of the country. This new and revised edition brings the story of this fascinating country up to date, incorporating the latest scholarship on every period of Malaysian history, including recent research into pre-modern times. This text thus provides a historical framework that helps explain the roots of the issues dominating Malaysian life today, and the difficulties of creating a multicultural state where resources are equitably shared and the rights of all citizens are acknowledged. This book is a key text for courses on Southeast Asian history and politics. Covering a range of disciplinary subjects in the humanities and social sciences, it is also useful for anyone interested in the assessment of young, modernizing nations. New to this Edition: - A new chapter provides insights into Malaysian history of the last 15 years, including the growing influence of the internet and social media in the political sphere - Greater attention is paid to the strengthening of civil society movements that have arisen in light of perceived government failures - Fresh analysis of Islam's historical role in the Malay world and how it links with the growing Islamization of Malaysia today

"For many years the authoritative resource for students and the general reader, this third edition brings the Malaysia narrative right up to the present, and reviews the entire history of this extraordinary country in the light of recent research. The Andayas show that historical knowledge is absolutely essential to understand the dynamics of Malaysia today." - Anthony Milner, Australian National University, Australia

"The history of Malaysia was a fine example of objective scholarship about the country's multifaceted development when it was first published over 30 years ago. The new edition brings that tangled story up to the present, confirming how truly remarkable the Andayas' achievement has been." - Wang Gungwu, National University of Singapore, Singapore