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 Hooker je emeritnou profesorkou, ktorej výskum sa zameriava na islam v juhovýchodnej Ázii a vzťah medzi literatúrou a spoločenskou zmenou v Malajzii a Indonézii. Jej práca skúma indonézsku politickú kultúru a jedinečný hlas autorov v tomto regióne. Jej najnovšie dielo, ktoré spolueditovala, je oceňovaným zdrojom informácií o súčasnom islame v juhovýchodnej Ázii.
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.