Originally published in 1965, this book by respected Sinologist and British colonial public servant Victor Purcell charts the history of East and South Asia from 1800 through to the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. The text includes a list of books particularly recommended by the author, as well as nine maps. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the history of East or South East Asia, particularly in political developments after WWII.