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.

'Michael Charney's new book is a timely and very welcome contribution to the study of Burma or Myanmar. A History of Modern Burma is an accessible, well organized, and extensively researched account of Burma's recent past by one of today's leading scholars in the field. At a time of increasing international awareness of Burma, the book will be of interest not only to students and researchers but to anyone wanting to learn more about the country. Dr Charney offers a balanced and factual survey of modern Burmese history, drawing on his deep understanding of the country's past and a thorough knowledge of the existing literature.' Thant Myint-U

• 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.

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.

'Michael Charney's new book is a timely and very welcome contribution to the study of Burma or Myanmar. A History of Modern Burma is an accessible, well organized, and extensively researched account of Burma's recent past by one of today's leading scholars in the field. At a time of increasing international awareness of Burma, the book will be of interest not only to students and researchers but to anyone wanting to learn more about the country. Dr Charney offers a balanced and factual survey of modern Burmese history, drawing on his deep understanding of the country's past and a thorough knowledge of the existing literature.' Thant Myint-U

• 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.

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.

'Michael Charney's new book is a timely and very welcome contribution to the study of Burma or Myanmar. A History of Modern Burma is an accessible, well organized, and extensively researched account of Burma's recent past by one of today's leading scholars in the field. At a time of increasing international awareness of Burma, the book will be of interest not only to students and researchers but to anyone wanting to learn more about the country. Dr Charney offers a balanced and factual survey of modern Burmese history, drawing on his deep understanding of the country's past and a thorough knowledge of the existing literature.' Thant Myint-U

• 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.