They are interesting to see and are perhaps not seen much elsewhere.įurther, as noted above, there’s both a Lao and an English version. There are also some random photos throughout the book as well, not many but some. Had there been a lot discrepancies or changes from now compared to when the book was written, then I could say the book is now irrelevant. A lot of history books remain quite useful even as time passes. It struck me as still being very interesting even after all this time. I recently read it again in preparation for writing this review as I definitely had to refresh my memory. I read this years ago when it was first published. If I had to describe his writing (and indeed this book) in two words, I’d say insightful and informative. It was published as part of the Short History of Asia Series edited by Milton Osborne. It does cover ancient times, royal times, government transition years, the war years and more contemporary times. It covers historical periods in short pieces while some parts are more lengthier than others. It really does cover quite a bit so I find it funny the author calls it “a short history”. This is definitely a good all-around history primer for Laos. His publications include The Politics of Ritual and Remembrance: Laos since 1975 (1998) and Laos: Culture and Society (1999).I've read a number of Grant's books. Grant Evans has written extensively on Laos and Southeast Asia. For those familiar with Lao history, Evans investigates key events in new ways and presents serious challenges to conventional views about Laos’ intriguing history. From ancient times when the dynastic states of the region waxed and waned, to the 20th century and the turmoil of independence from France and the Vietnam War and its aftermath, Evans traces the compelling story of the emergence of Laos as a modern nation.Ī Short History of Laos is an ideal introduction to Laos for travellers, businesspeople, diplomats, and students. Here, Grant Evans brings Lao history vividly into focus. But more often, Laos has been a bridge between these powerful neighbours and an arena in which they and their allies have interfered.

This small ‘land in between’ is surrounded by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar (Burma)-countries which, in pre-modern times, provided Lao kings with a field for territorial expansion. Laos, perhaps the least known country in mainland Southeast Asia, stands at the region’s crossroads.

A Short History Of Laos by Grant Evans