The first general history of modern Burma in over five decades.

Michael Charney is Project Professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo and Reader in Southeast Asian and Imperial History at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Professor Charney is a historian of empire, technology and culture, whose research focuses on Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, with particular attention to Burma/Myanmar, Tanzania and Ghana.

Introduction; 1. Burma under colonial rule; 2. The colonial centre; 3. Self-government without independence; 4. The democratic experiment; 5. Dress rehearsals; 6. The revolutionary council; 7. The BSPP years; 8. Towards democracy, 1988-1990; 9. Perpetual delay; Conclusion.