A History of Laos by Stuart-Fox, Martin (1997) Paperback

by Martin Stuart-Fox

This is the first English-language general history of Laos, the smallest of the former countries and territories once part of French Indochina. An authoritative and wide-ranging account, the book takes in the country's early history, but concentrates on the modern period following World War II. This book is an impressive political, social, cultural and economic history of Laos, detailing the Lao people's struggle for unity and independence. It is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand Laos as it joins the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, faces great economic challenges, and struggles to maintain its cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Asia

Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

About the author

Martin Stuart-Fox studied evolutionary biology and genetics at the University of Queensland, worked as a marine biologist in Papua New Guinea, taught mathematics and science in Hong Kong, was an agricultural extension officer for USAID in Laos, and covered the Second Indochina War for three years as a staff correspondent for United Press International (with later assignments in India, France, Afghanistan and Banglasesh). In 1972 he returned to Australia to complete an MA and PhD in the theory and philosophy of history. He joined the staff of the History Department at the University of Queensland, teaching the history of Southeast Asia and historical methodology and theory. He has written several books and several dozen articles on the politics and history of Laos and Cambodia. He was Head of History for five years at UQ before retiring in 2005. Since then he has continued writing and travelled widely. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. [Biography courtesy of Amazon.com]


The photograph at left shows Martin Stuart-Fox (center), who was then working for UPI, and Tim Page (right), then on assignment for Time-Life, taking cover during the battle of the Ia Drang Valley on 30 March 1966. The photo was taken by their friend & colleague Steve Northup, who was then also working for UPI.

Reviews

[OutboardCap · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfectly serviceable history of a country not often thought about. It won't blow your mind or anything, but would answer all the questions an English speaker might have about Laos history from the earliest days, French Colonialism, and the Cold War.

Stuart-Fox covers a lot of ground but never fails to provide lots of interesting details about the particulars of any given situation. This book left me with no loose ends but didn't inspire further interest in the country's history.

The book concerns itself almost entirely with the politics of the Laotian elite, which is a given in a country where a solid chunk of the population is still illiterate.

If you're interested in learning a bit about Laos then this will serve as a good entry point.

[Mr.david · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is meant for the student of Southeast Asia. It doesn't read very well but does give a straightforward account of a country that is rarely given this sort of general historical study. I read it in Luang Prabang and on the road to Vientane. Even in Laos, it wasn't very compelling. That said, the author lays out a clear time-line style book.

[. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpfull for my presentation on the cold war in Asia and its causes.