A History of Bangladesh - Rilegato

Schendel, Willem Van

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0521861748 ISBN 13: 9780521861748

Casa editrice: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Riassunto

Bangladesh is a new name for an old land whose history is little known to the wider world. A country chiefly famous in the West for media images of poverty, underdevelopment, and natural disasters, Bangladesh did not exist as an independent state until 1971. Willem van Schendel's history reveals the country's vibrant, colourful past and its diverse culture as it navigates the extraordinary twists and turns that have created modern Bangladesh. The story begins with the early geological history of the delta which has decisively shaped Bangladesh society. The narrative then moves chronologically through the era of colonial rule, the partition of Bengal, the war with Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh as an independent state. In so doing, it reveals the forces that have made Bangladesh what it is today. This is an eloquent introduction to a fascinating country and its resilient and inventive people.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

'This is an eloquent introduction to a fascinating country and its resilient and inventive people.' The Newsletter

'... it deserves critical attention and engagement ... A History of Bangladesh is perhaps the first of its kind of book that brings such a long span of time within its covers. ... [It] offers a coherent and refreshingly [broad] account of the country's historical developments. ... Willem van Schendel offers an excellent synthesis of myriad issues and developments that have shaped Bangladesh.' Economic and Political Weekly

'Up to now there have been several attempts to write comprehensive histories of Bangladesh ... It would seem difficult to find a place between these recent works. But this is exactly what Willem van Schendel has done so impressively. In a very attractive way he presents a history of the young state in eastern South Asia that is exciting even if we look only at the layout. It contains numerous maps and especially pictures that are certainly not merely illustrations but historical source material. The text boxes devoted to case studies or personalities help to deepen our knowledge. Equally novel is the breadth of the themes presented (such as migration, environment, urbanisation and media), which go well beyond the usual narrative of a political national history and instead present a full-blown history of society ... After so much praise and so little criticism it goes without saying that this book belongs not only in every public library but also in the hands of as many readers as possible.' Michael Mann, H-Net

'Willem van Schendel's lively A History of Bangladesh is recommended.' Andrew Marshall, Telegraph

'[Willem van Schendel's] History of Bangladesh has somewhat the appearance of a Lonely Planet guide: glossy, well illustrated with over a hundred photographs and plates and with many page insets. It takes a generously inclusive approach, with an excellent introduction on the physical setting and pre-history. In a region all too obsessed with politics it gives equal attention to social, cultural, and economic matters. It is expressly designed 'for general readers and for students beginning to study the subject'. This necessarily entails the compression of complex issues but the author's judicious selectivity combines academic reliability with great readability. ... This is a book I wish had been available when I first went to Bangladesh.' Asian Affairs

'... a fascinating and highly readable account of life in the Bengal delta over the last two millennia.' Jessica Mudditt, Contemporary South Asia

Descrizione del libro:

Bangladesh did not exist as an independent state until 1971. Willem van Schendel's history navigates the extraordinary twists and turns that created modern Bangladesh through ecological disaster, colonialism, partition and a war of independence. This is an eloquent introduction to a fascinating country and its resilient and inventive people.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Cambridge University Press
• Data di pubblicazione: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0521861748
• ISBN 13: 9780521861748
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 376