Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce, 1450–1680; Volume One: The Lands below the Winds

In The Lands below the Winds—the first volume of a two-volume set chronicling the rise of Southeast Asian culture during the years from 1450 to 1680—Anthony Reid vividly explores everyday life in the different societies of the region, from diet, housing, commerce, and law to sexual and family relations, patterns of warfare, and popular entertainment. His careful descriptions enable us to perceive the underlying coherence and splendid variety in the complex mosaic of Southeast Asia. 

"Anyone interested in Southeast Asian history should read, teach, and learn from this enthralling, fastidious book."—David P. Chandler, Journal of Asian Studies

"There is nothing that catches better the general look of things on the eve of European hegemony or evokes more effectively what Southeast Asia was like when Southeast Asians themselves bestrode it."—Clifford Geertz, New York Review of Books

"An outstandingly readable example of its genre, a superb unrhetorical portrayal of its society and period. One can scarcely wait for the sequel."—E. L. Tones, Asian Studies Association of Australia

"It is the most important study in the field for many years; it is likely to set the agenda for research in the field for many years to come."—Norman Owen, All Asia Review of Books 

About the Author

Anthony Reid is professor of Southeast Asian history, Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian University 

Cover illustration: Senenan in central Java, nineteenth century (VIDOC, Royal Institute, Amsterdam)