New in the Short History of Asia series, edited by Milton Osborne, this is a readable, well-informed and comprehensive history of Malaysia from ancient past to hyper-modern present day.
Virginia Matheson Hooker Knihy
Virginia Matheson Hookerová je emeritní profesorkou, jejíž výzkum se zaměřuje na islám v jihovýchodní Asii a vztah mezi literaturou a společenskou změnou v Malajsii a Indonésii. Její práce zkoumá indonéskou politickou kulturu a jedinečný hlas autorů v tomto regionu. Její nejnovější dílo, které spolu-redigovala, je oceňovaným zdrojem informací o současném islámu v jihovýchodní Asii.
Focusing on the evolution of Malay novels, this study examines their role in reflecting and shaping societal changes in Malaysia since the 1920s. It highlights the tension surrounding racial identity, showcasing how novelists portray "ordinary" Malays and their homes as crucial sites of transformation. By emphasizing personal agency within the domestic sphere, the narratives challenge traditional views of Malay society's dependence on authority. The exploration of values needed to navigate social inequalities reveals a deeper critique of established political ideologies, making this work a significant contribution to understanding Malay literature's impact on identity.