The Japanese invasion of Malaya in December 1941 is one of the more heavily studied military campaigns in World War II. It has led to much controversy over how the British, Australian and Indian troops, well prepared and numerically superior to their Japanese opponents, could so quickly lose the initiative, and then slowly and inexorably lose the campaign. With reinforcements arriving throughout much of the fighting, Arthur Percival, the British commander, was unwilling to risk his forces in a single battle which would determine the victor. After the Allied success at Kampar, followed by a withdrawal, the disaster at Slim River led to the Japanese outmanoeuvring their opponents in Johore, leading to the final battle in Singapore. As well as using accounts by many of the major participants, The Fall of Singapore incorporates recent research and thinking, also showing the effects of the fighting on the many Chinese, Malay and Indian civilians - so often neglected in military histories.

Everyone knows Vietnam for its turbulent environment during the second half of the 20th century, but few know that archaeologists believe that civilization there existed as far back as the Bronze Age. Vietnam's history runs rampant with clashing dynasties, civil wars and power struggles between the North and South, and conflicts with neighboring and other countries. First ruled under China's close watch for centuries, Vietnam fell under conflicting commands of France and Japan during the 19th and 20th centuries-finally leading to the split of North and South Vietnam, and ultimately, the Vietnam War. Today, Vietnam still struggles with its scars from the past, but is slowly emerging as its own country, independent of China and France. An essential addition for high school and public library shelves, The History of Vietnam is the only reference book to examine Vietnam's complete history, from the 2nd century BCE to the present.

In spite of Singapore's small size, it has long had a major impact on the world because of its geographical location and its wealth. The British initially made the island a major port for the shipping of goods and later as an airline hub for the region. These factors, along with a steady government, have helped to contribute to the country's affluence. This multicultural, multiracial, and multi-religious island-nation is the envy of many countries in the world, which have tried to emulate the economic success of Singapore. The new edition of the Historical Dictionary of Singapore has been completely rewritten since the first edition was released 20 years ago. It relates the history of this country through a chronology, an introductory essay, an expansive bibliography, and over 500 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, events, places, organizations, and other aspects of Singapore history from the earliest times to the present.

While Singapore is relatively small in size and population, its impact is considerably larger. This rising financial center has evolved from its early days as an entrepot for Southeast Asia into the transport hub and export-source for the world that it is today. More than this, it has served as a model for many developing countries, showing just how much can be achieved by hard work and intelligent policy even when there are almost no natural resources or other evident sources of wealth available. The Encyclopedia of Singapore focuses on the period since the island-nation's independence but also provides essential background on the country's history. It includes brief entries on the leaders of the struggle for independence and economic progress and includes many cultural figures as well. Other entries describe important places, institutions, and events. In addition, there is a brief chronology and an introduction-to place events in their historical context-and a bibliography for any reader who wants to learn more.

Over many centuries, and especially during the last century, Cambodia has experienced radical, even tumultuous changes in its political system and social order. Chronicling this country's evolution from absolute monarchy in the pre-colonial era up to the semi-democracy of today, this dictionary focuses on the personalities, constitutional dynamics, and major economic developments of the recent Sihanouk, Lon Nol, Pol Pot and Hun Sen administrations. Recognizing that considerable research remains to be done on Cambodia's political history and leaders, this reference work makes a large contribution to Cambodia and prominent Cambodians offering biographical details on the rulers, leaders, and opinion-makers from the time of Jayavarman II to Hun Sen. It also details key events and recent political developments and reveals unexpected continuities and discontinuities in elite composition and national ideological outlooks.

Includes narrative histories that provide a chronological examination of the political, cultural, philosophical, social, and religious continuities in each nation's long rich history.